Compounds, compositions, and methods

ABSTRACT

1,2,4-Tiazole-5-ones useful for treating cellular proliferative diseases and disorders by modulating the activity of KSP are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/417,889, filed Oct. 11, 2002; which is incorporatedherein by reference for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to compounds which are inhibitors of the mitotickinesin KSP and are useful in the treatment of cellular proliferativediseases, for example cancer, hyperplasias, restenosis, cardiachypertrophy, immune disorders, fungal disorders, and inflammation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Among the therapeutic agents used to treat cancer are the taxanes andvinca alkaloids, which act on microtubules. Microtubules are the primarystructural element of the mitotic spindle. The mitotic spindle isresponsible for distribution of replicate copies of the genome to eachof the two daughter cells that result from cell division. It is presumedthat disruption of the mitotic spindle by these drugs results ininhibition of cancer cell division, and induction of cancer cell death.However, microtubules form other types of cellular structures, includingtracks for intracellular transport in nerve processes. Because theseagents do not specifically target mitotic spindles, they have sideeffects that limit their usefulness.

Improvements in the specificity of agents used to treat cancer is ofconsiderable interest because of the therapeutic benefits which would berealized if the side effects associated with the administration of theseagents could be reduced. Traditionally, dramatic improvements in thetreatment of cancer are associated with identification of therapeuticagents acting through novel mechanisms. Examples of this include notonly the taxanes, but also the camptothecin class of topoisomerase Iinhibitors. From both of these perspectives, mitotic kinesins areattractive targets for new anti-cancer agents.

Mitotic kinesins are enzymes essential for assembly and function of themitotic spindle, but are not generally part of other microtubulestructures, such as in nerve processes. Mitotic kinesins play essentialroles during all phases of mitosis. These enzymes are “molecular motors”that transform energy released by hydrolysis of ATP into mechanicalforce which drives the directional movement of cellular cargoes alongmicrotubules. The catalytic domain sufficient for this task is a compactstructure of approximately 340 amino acids. During mitosis, kinesinsorganize microtubules into the bipolar structure that is the mitoticspindle. Kinesins mediate movement of chromosomes along spindlemicrotubules, as well as structural changes in the mitotic spindleassociated with specific phases of mitosis. Experimental perturbation ofmitotic kinesin function causes malformation or dysfunction of themitotic spindle, frequently resulting in cell cycle arrest and celldeath.

Among the mitotic kinesins which have been identified is KSP. KSPbelongs to an evolutionarily conserved kinesin subfamily of plusend-directed microtubule motors that assemble into bipolar homotetramersconsisting of antiparallel homodimers. During mitosis KSP associateswith microtubules of the mitotic spindle. Microinjection of antibodiesdirected against KSP into human cells prevents spindle pole separationduring prometaphase, giving rise to monopolar spindles and causingmitotic arrest and induction of programmed cell death. KSP and relatedkinesins in other, non-human, organisms, bundle antiparallelmicrotubules and slide them relative to one another, thus forcing thetwo spindle poles apart. KSP may also mediate in anaphase B spindleelongation and focussing of microtubules at the spindle pole.

Human KSP (also termed HsEg5) has been described (Blangy, et al., Cell,83:1159-69 (1995); Whitehead, et al., Arthritis Rheum., 39:1635-42(1996); Galgio et al., J. Cell Biol., 135:339-414 (1996); Blangy, etal., J Biol. Chem., 272:19418-24 (1997); Blangy, et al., Cell MotilCytoskeleton, 40:174-82 (1998); Whitehead and Rattner, J. Cell Sci.,111:2551-61 (1998); Kaiser, et al., JBC 274:18925-31 (1999); GenBankaccession numbers: X85137, NM004523 and U37426), and a fragment of theKSP gene (TRIP5) has been described (Lee, et al., Mol Endocrinol.,9:243-54 (1995); GenBank accession number L40372). Xenopus KSP homologs(Eg5), as well as Drosophila KLP61 F/KRP1 30 have been reported.

Mitotic kinesins, including KSP, are attractive targets for thediscovery and development of novel antimitotic chemotherapeutics.Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to providecompounds, compositions and methods useful in the inhibition of KSP.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the objects outlined above, the present inventionprovides compounds that can be used to treat cellular proliferativediseases. The compounds are KSP inhibitors, particularly human KSPinhibitors. The present invention also provides compositions comprisingsuch compounds, and methods utilizing such compounds or compositions,which can be used to treat cellular proliferative diseases.

In one aspect, the invention relates to methods for treating cellularproliferative diseases, and for treating disorders by inhibiting theactivity of KSP. The methods employ one or more compounds represented byFormula I:

wherein:

T and T′ are independently a covalent bond or optionally substitutedlower alkylene;

R₁ is chosen from hydrogen, optionally substituted allyl, optionallysubstituted aryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substitutedheteroaryl, and optionally substituted heteroaralkyl;

R₂ and R_(2′) are independently chosen from hydrogen, optionallysubstituted alkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substitutedaralkyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, and optionally substitutedheteroaralkyl; or R₂ and R_(2′) taken together form an optionallysubstituted 3- to 7-membered ring;

R₃ is chosen from hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl-, optionallysubstituted aryl-, optionally substituted aralkyl-, optionallysubstituted heteroaryl-, optionally substituted heteroaralkyl-,—C(O)—R₆, and —S(O)₂—R_(6a);

R₄ is independently chosen from hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl,carboxyalkyl, aminocarbonyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionallysubstituted aralkyl, optionally substituted heteroaralkyl, optionallysubstituted heterocyclyl and optionally substituted heteroaryl;

R₅ is chosen from hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl-, optionallysubstituted aryl-, optionally substituted aralkyl-, optionallysubstituted heteroaralkyl-, and optionally substituted heterocyclyl-;

or R₅ taken together with R₃, and the nitrogen to which they are bound,form an optionally substituted 5- to 12-membered nitrogen-containingheterocycle, which optionally incorporates from one to two additionalheteroatoms, selected from N, O, and S in the heterocycle ring;

or R₅ taken together with R₂ form an optionally substituted 5- to12-membered nitrogen-containing heterocycle, which optionallyincorporates from one to two additional heteroatoms, selected from N, O,and S in the heterocycle ring;

R₆ is chosen from hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionallysubstituted aryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substitutedheteroaryl, optionally substituted heteroaralkyl, R₇O— and R₁₁—NH—;

R_(6a) is chosen from hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionallysubstituted aryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substitutedheteroaryl, optionally substituted heteroaralkyl, and R₁₁—NH—;

R₇ is chosen from optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substitutedaryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl,and optionally substituted heteroaralkyl;

R₁₁ is chosen from hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionallysubstituted aryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substitutedheteroaryl, and optionally substituted heteroaralkyl; and

(Formula I including single stereoisomers and mixtures ofstereoisomers);

a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a compound of Formula I;

a pharmaceutically acceptable solvate of a compound of Formula I; or

a pharmaceutically acceptable solvate of a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt of a compound of Formula I. In a particular embodiment, R₁ is notoptionally substituted phenyl when R₄ is optionally substituted phenyl.

In one aspect, the invention relates to methods for treating cellularproliferative diseases and other disorders that can be treated byinhibiting KSP by the administration of a therapeutically effectiveamount of a compound of Formula I; a pharmaceutically acceptable salt ofa compound of Formula I; a pharmaceutically acceptable solvate of acompound of Formula I; or a pharmaceutically acceptable solvate of apharmaceutically acceptable salt of a compound of Formula I. Suchdiseases and disorders include cancer, hyperplasia, restenosis, cardiachypertrophy, immune disorders, fungal disorders and inflammation.

In another aspect, the invention relates to compounds useful ininhibiting KSP kinesin. The compounds have the structures shown above inFormula I; a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a compound of FormulaI; a pharmaceutically acceptable solvate of a compound of Formula I; ora pharmaceutically acceptable solvate of a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt of a compound of Formula I. The invention also relates topharmaceutical compositions comprising: a therapeutically effectiveamount of a compound of Formula I; a pharmaceutically acceptable salt ofa compound of Formula I; a pharmaceutically acceptable solvate of acompound of Formula I; or a pharmaceutically acceptable solvate of apharmaceutically acceptable salt of a compound of Formula I; and one ormore pharmaceutical excipients. In another aspect, the compositionfurther comprises a chemotherapeutic agent other than a compound of thepresent invention.

In an additional aspect, the present invention provides methods ofscreening for compounds that will bind to a KSP kinesin, for examplecompounds that will displace or compete with the binding of a compoundof the invention. The methods comprise combining a labeled compound ofthe invention, a KSP kinesin, and at least one candidate agent anddetermining the binding of the candidate agent to the KSP kinesin.

In a further aspect, the invention provides methods of screening formodulators of KSP kinesin activity. The methods comprise combining acompound of the invention, a KSP kinesin, and at least one candidateagent and determining the effect of the candidate agent on the KSPkinesin activity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

As used in the present specification, the following words and phrasesare generally intended to have the meanings as set forth below, exceptto the extent that the context in which they are used indicatesotherwise. The following abbreviations and terms have the indicatedmeanings throughout:

-   -   Ac=acetyl    -   Boc=t-butyloxy carbonyl    -   Bu=butyl    -   c-=cyclo    -   CBZ or Z=carbobenzoxy=benzyloxycarbonyl    -   DCM=dichloromethane=methylene chloride=CH₂Cl₂    -   DIEA=N,N-diisopropylethylamine    -   DMF=N,N-dimethylformamide    -   DMSO=dimethyl sulfoxide    -   Et=ethyl    -   Fmoc=9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl    -   GC=gas chromatography    -   HMDS=hexamethyldisilazane    -   HOAc=acetic acid    -   HOBt=hydroxybenzotriazole    -   Me=methyl    -   mesyl=methanesulfonyl    -   Ph=phenyl    -   PhOH=phenol    -   Py=pyridine    -   rt=room temperature    -   sat'd=saturated    -   s-=secondary    -   t-=tertiary    -   TES=triethylsilyl    -   TFA=trifluoroacetic acid    -   THF=tetrahydrofuran    -   TMS=trimethylsilyl    -   tosyl=p-toluenesulfonyl    -   Tf=triflate

Alkyl is intended to include linear, branched, or cyclic aliphatichydrocarbon structures and combinations thereof, which structures may besaturated or unsaturated. Lower-alkyl refers to alkyl groups of from 1to 5 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples oflower-alkyl groups include methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, isopropyl-, butyl-,s- and t-butyl and the like. Preferred alkyl groups are those of C₂₀ orbelow. More preferred alkyl groups are those of C₁₃ or below. Cycloalkylis a subset of alkyl and includes cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon groups offrom 3 to 13 carbon atoms. Examples of cycloalkyl groups include c-propyl-, c-butyl-, c-pentyl-, norbornyl-, adamantyl and the like.Cycloalkyl-alkyl- is another subset of alkyl and refers to cycloalkylattached to the parent structure through a non-cyclic alkyl-. Examplesof cycloalkyl-alkyl- include cyclohexylmethyl-, cyclopropylmethyl-,cyclohexylpropyl-, and the like. In this application, alkyl includesalkanyl-, alkenyl and alkynyl residues; it is intended to includevinyl-, allyl-, isoprenyl and the like. When an alkyl residue having aspecific number of carbons is named, all geometric isomers having thatnumber of carbons are intended to be encompassed; thus, for example,“butyl” is meant to include n-butyl-, sec-butyl-, isobutyl and t-butyl-;“propyl” includes n-propyl-, isopropyl-, and c-propyl-.

Alkylene-, alkenylene-, and alkynylene- are other subsets of alkyl-,including the same residues as alkyl-, but having two points ofattachment within a chemical structure. Examples of alkylene includeethylene (—CH₂CH₂—), propylene (—CH₂CH₂CH₂—), dimethylpropylene(—CH₂C(CH₃)₂CH₂—) and cyclohexylpropylene (—CH₂CH₂CH(C₆H₁₃)—). Likewise,examples of alkenylene include ethenylene (—CH═CH—), propenylene(—CH═CH—CH₂—), and cyclohexylpropenylene (—CH═CHCH(C₆H₁₃)—). Examples ofalkynylene include ethynylene (—C═C—) and propynylene (—CH═CH—CH₂—).

Cycloalkenyl is a subset of alkyl and includes unsaturated cyclichydrocarbon groups of from 3 to 13 carbon atoms. Examples ofcycloalkenyl groups include c-hexenyl-, c-pentenyl and the like.

Alkoxy or alkoxyl refers to an alkyl group, preferably including from 1to 8 carbon atoms, of a straight, branched, or cyclic configuration, ora combination thereof, attached to the parent structure through anoxygen (i.e., the group alkyl-O—). Examples include methoxy-, ethoxy-,propoxy-, isopropoxy-, cyclopropyloxy-, cyclohexyloxy- and the like.Lower-alkoxy refers to alkoxy groups containing one to four carbons.

Acyl refers to groups of from 1 to 8 carbon atoms of a straight,branched, or cyclic configuration or a combination thereof, attached tothe parent structure through a carbonyl functionality. Such groups maybe saturated or unsaturated, and aliphatic or aromatic. One or morecarbons in the acyl residue may be replaced by oxygen, nitrogen (e.g.,carboxamido), or sulfur as long as the point of attachment to the parentremains at the carbonyl. Examples include acetyl-, benzoyl-, propionyl-,isobutyryl-, oxalyl-, t-butoxycarbonyl-, benzyloxycarbonyl,morpholinylcarbonyl, and the like. Lower-acyl refers to acyl groupscontaining one to four carbons.

Amino refers to the group —NH₂. The term “substituted amino” refers tothe group —NHR or —NRR where each R is independently selected from thegroup: optionally substituted alkyl-, optionally substituted alkoxy,optionally substituted aminocarbonyl-, optionally substituted aryl-,optionally substituted heteroaryl-, optionally substitutedheterocyclyl-, acyl-, alkoxycarbonyl-, sulfanyl-, sulfinyl andsulfonyl-, e.g., diethylamino, methylsulfonylamino,furanyl-oxy-sulfonamino. Substituted amino includes the groups—NR^(c)COR^(b), —NR^(c)CO₂R^(a), and —NR^(c)CONR^(b)R^(c), where

R^(a) is an optionally substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl-, aryl-, heteroaryl-,aryl-C₁-C₄ alkyl-, or heteroaryl-C₁-C₄ alkyl-group;

R^(b) is H or optionally substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl-, aryl-, heteroaryl-,aryl-C₁-C₄ alkyl-, or heteroaryl-C₁-C₄ alkyl- group; and

R^(c) is hydrogen or C₁-C₄ alkyl-; and

where each optionally substituted R^(b) group is independentlyunsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents independentlyselected from C₁-C₄ alkyl-, aryl-, heteroaryl-, aryl-C₁-C₄ alkyl-,heteroaryl-C₁-C₄ alkyl-, C₁-C₄ haloalkyl-, —OC₁-C₄ alkyl, —OC₁-C₄alkylphenyl, —C₁-C₄ alkyl-OH, —OC₁-C₄ haloalkyl, halogen, —OH, —NH₂,—C₁-C₄ alkyl-NH₂, —N(C₁-C₄ alkyl)(C₁-C₄ alkyl), —NH(C₁-C₄ alkyl),—N(C₁-C₄ alkyl)(C₁-C₄ alkylphenyl), —NH(C₁-C₄ alkylphenyl), cyano,nitro, oxo (as a substitutent for heteroaryl), —CO₂H, —C(O)OC₁-C₄ alkyl,—CON(C₁-C₄ alkyl)(C₁-C₄ alkyl), —CONH(C₁-C₄ alkyl), —CONH₂,—NHC(O)(C₁-C₄ alkyl), —NHC(O)(phenyl), —N(C₁-C₄ alkyl)C(O)(C₁-C₄ alkyl),—N(C₁-C₄ alkyl)C(O)(phenyl), —C(O)C₁-C₄ alkyl, —C(O)C₁-C₄ phenyl,—C(O)C₁-C₄ haloalkyl, —OC(O)C₁-C₄ alkyl, —SO₂(C₁-C₄ alkyl),—SO₂(phenyl), —SO₂(C₁-C₄ haloalkyl), —SO₂NH₂, —SO₂NH(C₁-C₄ alkyl),—SO₂NH(phenyl), —NHSO₂(C₁-C₄ alkyl), —NHSO₂(phenyl), and —NHSO₂(C₁-C₄haloalkyl).

Antimitotic refers to a drug for inhibiting or preventing mitosis, forexample, by causing metaphase arrest. Some antitumor drugs blockproliferation and are considered antimitotics.

Aryl and heteroaryl mean a 5- or 6-membered aromatic or heteroaromaticring containing 0 or 1-4 heteroatoms, respectively, selected from O, N,or S; a bicyclic 9- or 10-membered aromatic or heteroaromatic ringsystem containing 0 or 1-4 (or more) heteroatoms, respectively, selectedfrom O, N, or S; or a tricyclic 12- to 14-membered aromatic orheteroaromatic ring system containing 0 or 1-4 (or more) heteroatoms,respectively, selected from O, N, or S. The aromatic 6- to 14-memberedcarbocyclic rings include, e.g., phenyl-, naphthyl-, indanyl-,tetralinyl-, and fluorenyl and the 5- to 10-membered aromaticheterocyclic rings include, e.g., imidazolyl-, pyridinyl-, indolyl-,thienyl-, benzopyranonyl-, thiazolyl-, furanyl-, benzimidazolyl-,quinolinyl-, isoquinolinyl-, quinoxalinyl-, pyrimidinyl-, pyrazinyl-,tetrazolyl and pyrazolyl-.

Aralkyl- refers to a residue in which an aryl moiety is attached to theparent structure via an alkyl residue. Examples include benzyl-,phenethyl-, phenylvinyl-, phenylallyl and the like. Heteroaralkyl-refers to a residue in which a heteroaryl moiety is attached to theparent structure via an alkyl residue. Examples include furanylmethyl-,pyridinylmethyl-, pyrimidinylethyl and the like.

Aralkoxy- refers to the group —O-aralkyl. Similarly, heteroaralkoxy-refers to the group —O-heteroaralkyl-; aryloxy- refers to the group—O-aryl-; acyloxy- refers to the group —O-acyl-; heteroaryloxy- refersto the group —O-heteroaryl-; and heterocyclyloxy- refers to the group—O-heterocyclyl (i.e., aralkyl-, heteroaralkyl-, aryl-, acyl-,heterocyclyl-, or heteroaryl is attached to the parent structure throughan oxygen).

Carboxyalkyl- refers to the group -alkyl-COOH.

Aminocarbonyl refers to the group —CONR^(b)R^(c), where

R^(b) is H or optionally substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl-, aryl-, heteroaryl-,aryl-C₁-C₄ alkyl-, or heteroaryl-C₁-C₄ alkyl- group; and

R^(c) is hydrogen or C₁-C₄ alkyl-; and

where each optionally substituted R^(b) group is independentlyunsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents independentlyselected from C₁-C₄ alkyl-, aryl-, heteroaryl-, aryl-C₁-C₄ alkyl-,heteroaryl-C₁-C₄ alkyl-, C₁-C₄ haloalkyl-, —OC₁-C₄ alkyl-, —OC₁-C₄alkylphenyl, —C₁-C₄ alkyl-OH, —OC₁-C₄ haloalkyl, halogen, —OH, —NH₂,—C₁-C₄ alkyl-NH₂, —N(C₁-C₄ alkyl)(C₁-C₄ alkyl), —NH(C₁-C₄ alkyl),—N(C₁-C₄ alkyl)(C₁-C₄ alkylphenyl), —NH(C₁-C₄ alkylphenyl), cyano,nitro, oxo (as a substitutent for heteroaryl), —CO₂H, —C(O)OC₁-C₄ alkyl,—CON(C₁-C₄ alkyl)(C₁-C₄ alkyl), —CONH(C₁-C₄ alkyl), —CONH₂,—NHC(O)(C₁-C₄ alkyl), —NHC(O)(phenyl), —N(C₁-C₄ alkyl)C(O)(C₁-C₄ alkyl),—N(C₁-C₄ alkyl)C(O)(phenyl), —C(O)C₁-C₄ alkyl, —C(O)C₁-C₄ phenyl,—C(O)C₁-C₄ haloalkyl, —OC(O)C₁-C₄ alkyl, —SO₂(C₁-C₄ alkyl),—SO₂(phenyl), —SO₂(C₁-C₄ haloalkyl), —SO₂NH₂, —SO₂NH(C₁-C₄ alkyl),—SO₂NH(phenyl), —NHSO₂(C₁-₄ alkyl), —NHSO₂(phenyl), and —NHSO₂(C₁-C₄haloalkyl). Aminocarbonyl is meant to include carbamoyl-; lower-alkylcarbamoyl-; benzylcarbamoyl-; phenylcarbamoyl-;methoxymethyl-carbamoyl-; and the like.

Halogen or halo refers to fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine.Fluorine, chlorine and bromine are preferred. Dihaloaryl-, dihaloalkyl-,trihaloaryl etc. refer to aryl and alkyl substituted with the designatedplurality of halogens (here, 2, 2 and 3, respectively), but notnecessarily a plurality of the same halogen; thus4-chloro-3-fluorophenyl is within the scope of dihaloaryl-.

Heterocyclyl means a cycloalkyl or aryl residue in which one to four ofthe carbons is replaced by a heteroatom such as oxygen, nitrogen orsulfur. Examples of heterocycles that fall within the scope of theinvention include azetidinyl-, imidazolinyl-, pyrrolidinyl-, pyrazolyl-,pyrrolyl-, indolyl-, quinolinyl-, isoquinolinyl-,tetrahydroisoquinolinyl-, benzofuranyl-, benzodioxanyl-, benzodioxyl(commonly referred to as methylenedioxyphenyl-, when occurring as asubstituent), tetrazolyl-, morpholinyl-, thiazolyl-, pyridinyl-,pyridazinyl-, piperidinyl-, pyrimidinyl-, thienyl-, furanyl-, oxazolyl-,oxazolinyl-, isoxazolyl-, dioxanyl-, tetrahydrofuranyl and the like.“N-heterocyclyl” refers to a nitrogen-containing heterocycle. The termheterocyclyl encompasses heteroaryl-, which is a subset ofheterocyclyl-. Examples of N-heterocyclyl residues include azetidinyl-,4-morpholinyl-, 4-thiomorpholinyl-, 1-piperidinyl-, 1-pyrrolidinyl-,3-thiazolidinyl-, piperazinyl and 4-(3,4-dihydrobenzoxazinyl). Examplesof substituted heterocyclyl include 4-methyl-1-piperazinyl and4-benzyl-1-piperidinyl-.

A leaving group or atom is any group or atom that will, under thereaction conditions, cleave from the starting material, thus promotingreaction at a specified site. Suitable examples of such groups unlessotherwise specified are halogen atoms, mesyloxy,p-nitrobenzensulphonyloxy and tosyloxy groups.

Optional or optionally means that the subsequently described event orcircumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includesinstances where said event or circumstances occurs and instances inwhich it does not. For example, “optionally substituted alkyl” includes“alkyl” and “substituted alkyl” as defined herein. It will be understoodby those skilled in the art with respect to any group containing one ormore substituents that such groups are not intended to introduce anysubstitution or substitution patterns that are sterically impracticaland/or synthetically non-feasible and/or inherently unstable.

Substituted alkoxy refers to alkoxy wherein the alkyl constituent issubstituted (i.e., —O-(substituted alkyl)). One suitable substitutedalkoxy group is “polyalkoxy” or —O-(optionally substitutedalkylene)-(optionally substituted alkoxy), and includes groups such as—OCH₂CH₂OCH₃, and residues of glycol ethers such as polyethyleneglycol,and —O(CH₂CH₂O)_(x)CH₃, where x is an integer of about 2-20, preferablyabout 2-10, and more preferably about 2-5. Another suitable substitutedalkoxy group is hydroxyalkoxy or —OCH₂(CH₂)_(y)OH, where y is an integerof about 1 -10, preferably about 1-4.

Substituted- alkyl-, aryl-, and heteroaryl- refer respectively toalkyl-, aryl-, and heteroaryl wherein one or more (up to about 5,preferably up to about 3) hydrogen atoms are replaced by a substituentindependently selected from the group: —R^(a), —OR^(b), —O(C₁-C₂alkyl)O— (e.g., ethylenedioxy or methylenedioxy), —SR^(b), guanidine,guanidine wherein one or more of the guanidine hydrogens are replacedwith a lower-alkyl group, —NR^(b)R^(c), halogen, cyano, nitro, —COR^(b),—CO₂R^(b), —CONR^(b)R^(c), —OCOR^(b), —OCO₂R^(a), —OCONR^(b)R^(c),—NR^(c)COR^(b), —NR^(c)CO₂R^(a), —NR^(c)CONR^(b)R^(c), —CO₂R^(b),—CONR^(b)R^(c), —NR^(c)COR^(b), —SOR^(a), —SO₂R^(a), —SO₂NR^(b)R^(c),and —NR^(c)SO₂R^(a),

where R^(a) is an optionally substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl-, aryl-,heteroaryl-, aryl-C₁-C₄ alkyl-, or heteroaryl-C₁-C₄ alkyl- group,

R^(b) is H or optionally substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl-, aryl-, heteroaryl-,aryl-C₁-C₄ alkyl-, or heteroaryl-C₁-C₄ alkyl- group;

R^(c) is hydrogen or C₁-C₄ alkyl-;

where each optionally substituted R^(a) group and R^(b) group isindependently unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituentsindependently selected from C₁-C₄ alkyl-, aryl-, heteroaryl-, aryl-C₁-C₄alkyl-, heteroaryl-C₁-C₄ alkyl-, C₁-C₄ haloalkyl-, —OC₁-C₄ alkyl-,—OC₁-C₄ alkylphenyl-, —C₁-C₄ alkyl-OH, —OC₁-C₄ haloalkyl-, halogen, —OH,—NH₂, —C₁-C₄ alkyl-NH₂, —N(C₁-C₄ alkyl)(C₁-C₄ alkyl), —NH(C₁-C₄ alkyl),—N(C₁-C₄ alkyl)(C₁-C₄ alkylphenyl), —NH(C₁-C₄ alkylphenyl), cyano,nitro, oxo (as a substitutent for heteroaryl), —CO₂H, —C(O)OC₁-C₄alkyl-, —CON(C₁-C₄ alkyl)(C₁-C₄ alkyl), —CONH(C₁-C₄ alkyl), —CONH₂,—NHC(O)(C₁-C₄ alkyl), —NHC(O)(phenyl), —N(C₁-C₄ alkyl)C(O)(C₁-C₄ alkyl),—N(C₁-C₄ alkyl)C(O)(phenyl), —C(O)C₁-C₄ alkyl-, —C(O)C₁-C₄ phenyl-,—C(O)C₁-C₄ haloalkyl-, —OC(O)C₁-C₄ alkyl-, —SO₂(C₁-C₄ alkyl),—SO₂(phenyl), —SO₂(C₁-C₄ haloalkyl), —SO₂NH₂, —SO₂NH(C₁-C₄ alkyl),—SO₂NH(phenyl), —NHSO₂(C₁-C₄ alkyl), —NHSO₂(phenyl), and —NHSO₂(C₁-C₄haloalkyl). In the compounds of Formula I where T and/or T′ aresubstituted alkylene, the term “substituted” also refers to alkylenegroups where one or more (up to about 3, particularly 1) carbon atomsare replaced by a heteroatom independently selected from O, N or S, suchas —CH₂—S—CH₂—.

Sulfanyl refers to the groups: —S-(optionally substituted alkyl),—S-(optionally substituted aryl), —S-(optionally substitutedheteroaryl), and —S-(optionally substituted heterocyclyl).

Sulfinyl refers to the groups: —S(O)—H, —S(O)-(optionally substitutedalkyl), —S(O)-optionally substituted aryl), —S(O)-(optionallysubstituted heteroaryl), —S(O)-(optionally substituted heterocyclyl);and —S(O)-(optionally substituted amino).

Sulfonyl refers to the groups: —S(O₂)—H, —S(O₂)-(optionally substitutedalkyl), —S(O₂)-optionally substituted aryl), —S(O₂)-(optionallysubstituted heteroaryl), —S(O₂)-(optionally substituted heterocyclyl),—S(O₂)-(optionally substituted alkoxy), —S(O₂)-optionally substitutedaryloxy), —S(O₂)-(optionally substituted heteroaryloxy),—S(O₂)-(optionally substituted heterocyclyloxy); and —S(O₂)-(optionallysubstituted amino).

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts refers to those salts that retain thebiological effectiveness of the free compound and that are notbiologically undesirable or unsuitable for pharmaceutical use, formedwith a suitable acid or base, and includes pharmaceutically acceptableacid addition salts and base addition salts. Pharmaceutically acceptableacid addition salts include those derived from inorganic acids such ashydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid,phosphoric acid and the like, and those derived from organic acids suchas acetic acid, propionic acid, glycolic acid, pyruvic acid, oxalicacid, maleic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, tartaricacid, citric acid, benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, mandelic acid,methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid,salicylic acid and the like.

Pharmaceutically acceptable base addition salts include those derivedfrom inorganic bases such as sodium, potassium, lithium, ammonium,calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, aluminum salts andthe like. Particular embodiments are the ammonium, potassium, sodium,calcium, and magnesium salts. Base addition salts also include thosederived from pharmaceutically acceptable organic non-toxic bases,including salts of primary, secondary, and tertiary amines, substitutedamines including naturally occurring substituted amines, cyclic aminesand basic ion exchange resins, such as isopropylamine, trimethylamine,diethylamine, triethylamine, tripropylamine, and ethanolamine.

Protecting group has the meaning conventionally associated with it inorganic synthesis, i.e. a group that selectively blocks one or morereactive sites in a multifunctional compound such that a chemicalreaction can be carried out selectively on another unprotected reactivesite and such that the group can readily be removed after the selectivereaction is complete. A variety of protecting groups are disclosed, forexample, in T. H. Greene and P. G. M. Wuts, Protective Groups in OrganicSynthesis, Third Edition, John Wiley & Sons, New York (1999), which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. For example, a hydroxyprotected form is where at least one of the hydroxyl groups present in acompound is protected with a hydroxy protecting group. Likewise, aminesand other reactive groups may similarly be protected.

Solvate refers to the compound formed by the interaction of a solventand a compound of Formula I or salt thereof. Suitable solvates of thecompounds of the Formula I or a salt thereof are pharmaceuticallyacceptable solvates including hydrates.

Many of the compounds described herein contain one or more asymmetriccenters (e.g. the carbon to which R₂ and R_(2′) are attached where R₂differs from R_(2′)) and may thus give rise to enantiomers,diastereomers, and other stereoisomeric forms that may be defined, interms of absolute stereochemistry, as (R)— or (S)—. The presentinvention is meant to include all such possible isomers, includingracemic mixtures, optically pure forms and intermediate mixtures.Optically active (R)— and (S)— isomers may be prepared using chiralsynthons or chiral reagents, or resolved using conventional techniques.When the compounds described herein contain olefinic double bonds orother centers of geometric asymmetry, and unless specified otherwise, itis intended that the compounds include both E and Z geometric isomers.Likewise, all tautomeric forms and rotational isomers are also intendedto be included.

When desired, the R— and S-isomers may be resolved by methods known tothose skilled in the art, for example by formation of diastereoisomericsalts or complexes which may be separated, for example, bycrystallization; via formation of diastereoisomeric derivatives whichmay be separated, for example, by crystallization, gas-liquid or liquidchromatography; selective reaction of one enantiomer with anenantiomer-specific reagent, for example enzymatic oxidation orreduction, followed by separation of the modified and unmodifiedenantiomers; or gas-liquid or liquid chromatography in a chiralenvironment, for example on a chiral support, such as silica with abound chiral ligand or in the presence of a chiral solvent. It will beappreciated that where the desired enantiomer is converted into anotherchemical entity by one of the separation procedures described above, afurther step may be required to liberate the desired enantiomeric form.Alternatively, specific enantiomer may be synthesized by asymmetricsynthesis using optically active reagents, substrates, catalysts orsolvents, or by converting one enantiomer to the other by asymmetrictransformation.

Compounds of the Present Invention

The present invention is directed to a class of novel compounds, thatcan be described as 1,2,4-triazole-5-one derivatives, that areinhibitors of one or more mitotic kinesins. By inhibiting mitotickinesins, but not other kinesins (e.g., transport kinesins), specificinhibition of cellular proliferation is accomplished. While notintending to be bound by any theory, the present invention capitalizeson the finding that perturbation of mitotic kinesin function causesmalformation or dysfunction of mitotic spindles, frequently resulting incell cycle arrest and cell death. According to one embodiment of theinvention, the compounds described herein inhibit the mitotic kinesin,KSP, particularly human KSP. In another embodiment, the compoundsinhibit the mitotic kinesin, KSP, as well as modulating one or more ofthe human mitotic kinesins selected from the group consisting of HSET(see, U.S. Pat. No. 6,361,993, which is incorporated herein byreference); MCAK (see, U.S. Pat. No. 6,331,424, which is incorporatedherein by reference); CENP-E (see, PCT Publication No. WO 99/13061,which is incorporated herein by reference); Kif4 (see, U.S. Pat. No.6,440,684, which is incorporated herein by reference); MKLP1 (see, U.S.Pat. No. 6,448,025, which is incorporated herein by reference); Kif15(see, U.S. Pat. No. 6,355,466, which is incorporated herein byreference); Kid (see, U.S. Pat. No. 6,387,644, which is incorporatedherein by reference); Mpp1, CMKrp, KinI-3 (see, U.S. Pat. No. 6,461,855,which is incorporated herein by reference); Kip3a (see, PCT PublicationNo. WO 01/96593, which is incorporated herein by reference); Kip3d (see,U.S. Pat. No. 6,492,151, which is incorporated herein by reference); andRabK6.

The methods of inhibiting a mitotic kinesin comprise contacting aninhibitor of the invention with a kinesin, particularly a human kinesin,more particularly, human KSP or fragments and variants thereof. Theinhibition can be of the ATP hydrolysis activity of the KSP kinesinand/or the mitotic spindle formation activity, such that the mitoticspindles are disrupted. Meiotic spindles may also be disrupted.

The present invention provides inhibitors of mitotic kinesins, inparticular KSP and especially human KSP, for the treatment of disordersassociated with cell proliferation. The compounds, compositions andmethods described herein can differ in their selectivity and are used totreat diseases of cellular proliferation, including, but not limited tocancer, hyperplasias, restenosis, cardiac hypertrophy, immune disorders,fungal disorders and inflammation.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to methods employingcompounds represented by Formula I:

wherein:

T and T′ are independently a covalent bond or optionally substitutedlower alkylene;

R₁ is chosen from hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionallysubstituted aryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substitutedheteroaryl, and optionally substituted heteroaralkyl;

R₂ and R_(2′) are independently chosen from hydrogen, optionallysubstituted alkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substitutedaralkyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, and optionally substitutedheteroaralkyl; or R₂ and R_(2′) taken together form an optionallysubstituted 3- to 7-membered ring;

R₃ is chosen from hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl-, optionallysubstituted aryl-, optionally substituted aralkyl-, optionallysubstituted heteroaryl-, optionally substituted heteroaralkyl-,—C(O)—R₆, and —S(O)₂—R_(6a);

R₄ is independently chosen from hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl,carboxyalkyl, aminocarbonyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionallysubstituted aralkyl, optionally substituted heteroaralkyl, optionallysubstituted heterocyclyl and optionally substituted heteroaryl;

R₅ is chosen from hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl-, optionallysubstituted aryl-, optionally substituted aralkyl-, optionallysubstituted heteroaralkyl-, and optionally substituted heterocyclyl-; or

or R₅ taken together with R₃, and the nitrogen to which they are bound,form an optionally substituted 5- to 12-membered nitrogen-containingheterocycle, which optionally incorporates from one to two additionalheteroatoms, selected from N, O, and S in the heterocycle ring;

or R₅ taken together with R₂ form an optionally substituted 5- to12-membered nitrogen-containing heterocycle, which optionallyincorporates from one to two additional heteroatoms, selected from N, O,and S in the heterocycle ring;

R₆ is chosen from hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionallysubstituted aryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substitutedheteroaryl, optionally substituted heteroaralkyl, R₇O— and R₁₁—NH—;

R_(6a) is chosen from hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionallysubstituted aryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substitutedheteroaryl, optionally substituted heteroaralkyl, and R₁₁—NH—;

R₇ is chosen from optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substitutedaryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl,and optionally substituted heteroaralkyl;

R₁₁ is chosen from hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionallysubstituted aryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substitutedheteroaryl, and optionally substituted heteroaralkyl;

including single stereoisomers and mixtures of stereoisomers;

a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a compound of Formula I;

a pharmaceutically acceptable solvate of a compound of Formula I;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable solvate of a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt of a compound of Formula I. In a particular embodiment,the stereogenic center to which R₂ and R_(2′) are attached is of the Rconfiguration.

Nomenclature

The compounds of Formula I can be named and numbered in the manner(e.g., using AutoNom version 2.1 in ISIS-DRAW or ChemDraw) describedbelow. For example, the compound:

i.e., the compound according to Formula I where T and T′ are absent, R₁is benzyl, R₂ is propyl (specifically, i-propyl), R₂ is hydrogen; R₃taken together with R₅ is an optionally substituted imidazolinyl; and R₄is methyl can be named 4-benzyl-2-methyl-5-[2-methyl-1-(2-p-tolyl-4,5-dihydro-imidazol-1-yl)-propyl]-2,4-dihydro-[1,2,4]triazol-3-one.

Likewise, the compound:

i.e., the compound according to Formula I where T and T′ are absent, R₁is benzyl, R₂ is propyl (specifically, i-propyl), R_(2′) is hydrogen; R₃is —COR₆; R₄ is phenyl; R₆ is p-tolyl; and R₅ is 3-aminopropyl can benamedN-(3-amino-propyl)-N-[1-(4-benzyl-5-oxo-1-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-2-methyl-propyl]-4-methyl-benzamide.Synthetic Reaction Parameters

The compounds of Formula I can be prepared by following the proceduresdescribed with reference to the Reaction Schemes below.

Unless specified otherwise, the terms “solvent”, “inert organic solvent”or “inert solvent” mean a solvent inert under the conditions of thereaction being described in conjunction therewith [including, forexample, benzene, toluene, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran (“THF”),dimethylformamide (“DMF”), chloroform, methylene chloride (ordichloromethane), diethyl ether, methanol, pyridine and the like].Unless specified to the contrary, the solvents used in the reactions ofthe present invention are inert organic solvents.

The term “q.s.” means adding a quantity sufficient to achieve a statedfunction, e.g., to bring a solution to the desired volume (i.e., 100%).

In general, esters of carboxylic acids may be prepared by conventionalesterification procedures, for example alkyl esters may be prepared bytreating the required carboxylic acid with the appropriate alkanol,generally under acidic conditions. Likewise, amides may be preparedusing conventional amidation procedures, for example amides may beprepared by treating an activated carboxylic acid with the appropriateamine. Alternatively, a lower-alkyl ester such as a methyl ester of theacid may be treated with an amine to provide the required amide,optionally in presence of trimethylalluminium following the proceduredescribed in Tetrahedron Lett. 48, 4171-4173, (1977). Carboxyl groupsmay be protected as alkyl esters, for example methyl esters, whichesters may be prepared and removed using conventional procedures, oneconvenient method for converting carbomethoxy to carboxyl is to useaqueous lithium hydroxide.

The salts and solvates of the compounds mentioned herein may as requiredbe produced by methods conventional in the art. For example, if aninventive compound is an acid, a desired base addition salt can beprepared by treatment of the free acid with an inorganic or organicbase, such as an amine (primary, secondary, or tertiary); an alkalimetal or alkaline earth metal hydroxide; or the like. Illustrativeexamples of suitable salts include organic salts derived from aminoacids such as glycine and arginine; ammonia; primary, secondary, andtertiary amines; such as ethylenediamine, and cyclic amines, such ascyclohexylamine, piperidine, morpholine, and piperazine; as well asinorganic salts derived from sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium,manganese, iron, copper, zinc, aluminum, and lithium.

If a compound is a base, a desired acid addition salt may be prepared byany suitable method known in the art, including treatment of the freebase with an inorganic acid, such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromicacid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, and the like, or withan organic acid, such as acetic acid, maleic acid, succinic acid,mandelic acid, fumaric acid, malonic acid, pyruvic acid, oxalic acid,glycolic acid, salicylic acid, pyranosidyl acid, such as glucuronic acidor galacturonic acid, alpha-hydroxy acid, such as citric acid ortartaric acid, amino acid, such as aspartic acid or glutamic acid,aromatic acid, such as benzoic acid or cinnamic acid, sulfonic acid,such as p-toluenesulfonic acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonicacid, or the like.

Isolation and purification of the compounds and intermediates describedherein can be effected, if desired, by any suitable separation orpurification procedure such as, for example, filtration, extraction,crystallization, column chromatography, thin-layer chromatography orthick-layer chromatography, or a combination of these procedures.Specific illustrations of suitable separation and isolation procedurescan be had by reference to the examples hereinbelow. However, otherequivalent separation or isolation procedures can, of course, also beused.

Synthesis of the Compounds of Formula I

The compounds of Formula I can be prepared by following the proceduresdescribed with reference to the Reaction Schemes below.

Brief Description of Reaction Schemes

Reaction Schemes 1A and 1B illustrate a synthesis of compounds ofFormula I wherein R₃ is —C(O)R₆. In Reaction Scheme 1A, the R₁substituent is added prior to introduction of the R₄ substituent;whereas Reaction Scheme 1B illustrates the opposite order of synthesis.

Reaction Scheme 2 illustrates a synthesis of compounds of Formula Iwherein R₃ is —SO₂R_(6a).

Reaction Scheme 3 illustrates a synthesis of compounds of Formula I.

Reaction Scheme 4 illustrates a synthesis of compounds of Formula Iwherein R₃ taken together with R₅ form an optionally substitutedimidazolyl.

Reaction Scheme 5 illustrates another synthesis of compounds of FormulaI wherein R₃ taken together with R₅ form optionally substitutedimidazolyl.

Reaction Scheme 6 illustrates a synthesis of compounds of Formula Iwherein R₃ taken together with R₅ form optionally substitutedimidazolinyl.

Reaction Scheme 7 illustrates a second synthesis of compounds of FormulaI wherein R₃ taken together with R₅ form is optionally substitutedimidazolinyl.

Reaction Scheme 8 illustrates a synthesis of compounds of Formula Iwherein R₃ is —C(O)R₆ wherein R₆ is —OR₇.

Reaction Scheme 9 illustrates a synthesis of compounds of Formula Iwherein R₃ is —C(O)R₆ wherein R₆ is —NHR₁₁.

Reaction Scheme 10 illustrates a synthesis of compounds of Formula Iwherein R₃ together with R₅ and the nitrogen to which they are bound,form an optionally substituted diazepinone.

Reaction Scheme 11 illustrates a synthesis of compounds of Formula Iwherein R₃ together with R₅ and the nitrogen to which they are bound,form an optionally substituted diazepinone.

Reaction Scheme 12 illustrates a synthesis of compounds of Formula Iwherein R₃ together with R₅ and the nitrogen to which they are bound,form an optionally substituted piperazine ring.

Starting Materials

The optionally substituted compounds of Formula 101 and other reactantsare commercially available, e.g., from Aldrich Chemical Company,Milwaukee, Wis., or may be readily prepared by those skilled in the artusing commonly employed synthetic methodology.

Preparation of Compounds of Formula 103

Referring to Reaction Scheme 1A, Step 1, to a solution of a compound ofFormula 101, preferably wherein the amine protecting, PG, is CBZ, in anonpolar, aprotic solvent such as THF is added an excess, preferablyabout 1.2 equivalents, of ethyl chloroformate and an excess, preferablyabout 1.2 equivalents, of a tertiary amine base such as triethylamine orDIEA at about 0° C. The reaction mixture is stirred under an inertatmosphere, such as nitrogen. After about one hour, an excess,preferably about 1.2 equivalents, of a primary amine of formula R₁NH₂wherein R₁ is as described above is added over about 5 minutes. Uponcompletion of addition, the reaction solution is allowed to warm to roomtemperature. The product, a compound of Formula 103 is isolated and usedwithout further purification.

Preparation of Compounds of Formula 105

Referring to Reaction Scheme 1A, Step 2, to a suspension of a compoundof Formula 103 in a nonpolar, aprotic solvent such as dichloromethane isadded an excess, preferably about 1.7 equivalents, of Meerwein's salt(e.g., triethyloxonium hexafluorophosphate). The resulting mixture isstirred for about 14 h. The product, a compound of Formula 105, isisolated and used without further purification.

Preparation of Compounds of Formula 107

Referring to Reaction Scheme 1A, Step 3, to a solution of a compound ofFormula 105 in a nonpolar, aprotic solvent such as THF is added anexcess, preferably about 1.85 equivalents, of hydrazine (preferably, asa 1.0 M solution of hydrazine in THF). The resulting mixture is stirredfor about 4 hours. The product, a compound of Formula 107, is isolatedand used without further purification.

Preparation of Compounds of Formula 109

Referring to Reaction Scheme 1A, Step 4, to a solution of a compound ofFormula 107 in a nonpolar, aprotic solvent such as THF is added about0.9 equivalent of 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole. The resulting solution isstirred for about 14 h. The product, a compound of Formula 109, isisolated and purified, preferably, via flash column chromatography usinga mixture of ethyl acetate and hexane as eluent.

Preparation of Compounds of Formula 111

Referring to Reaction Scheme 1A, Step 5, to a solution of a compound ofFormula 109 in a polar, aprotic solvent such as DMF is added an excess,preferably about 1.8 equivalents, of a compound of formula R₄—X whereinR₄ is as defined above and X is iodo or bromo, and an excess, preferablyabout 1.6 equivalents of a base such as potassium carbonate. Theresulting mixture is stirred for about 18 h. The product, a compound ofFormula 111 is isolated and purified, preferably on RP-HPLC using amixture of acetonitrile and H₂O.

Preparation of Compounds of Formula 113

Referring to Reaction Scheme 1A, Step 6, a solution of a compound ofFormula 111 in a polar, protic solvent such as methanol is stirred undera stream of H₂ (preferably at about 30 psi) in the presence of 10% Pd/Cfor about one hour. The catalyst is removed by filtration through a PTFE(0.45 □m) filter. The product, a compound of Formula 113, is isolatedand used without further purification.

Preparation of Compounds of Formula 115

Referring to Reaction Scheme 1A, Step 7, to a solution of a compound ofFormula 113 in a nonpolar, aprotic solvent such as dichloromethane atabout 0° C. is added an excess, preferably about 1.2 equivalents, of analdehyde comprising R_(5′) (i.e., a compound having the formula R_(5′)CHO wherein R_(5′)CH₂— is equivalent to R₅ and R₅ is as described aboveor is a protected precursor to such a substitient, e.g.,(3-oxo-propyl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester) and an excess, preferablyabout 1.2 equivalents, of a reducing agent, such as sodiumtriacetoxyborohydride, successively. The resulting mixture is stirredunder an inert atmosphere for about 3 h. Additional, preferably about0.5 equivalents of aldehyde of Formula 114 and about 0.4 equivalent ofsodium triacetoxyborohydride are added. Stirring continued for about 2h. The product, a compound of Formula 115, is isolated and used withoutpurification.

Preparation of Compounds of Formula 117

Referring to Reaction Scheme 1A, Step 8, to a solution of a compound ofFormula 115 and a base such as N,N-diisopropylethylamine in a nonpolar,aprotic solvent such as dichloromethane is added an excess, preferablyabout 1.2 equivalents, of an acid chloride of the formula R₆COCl whereR₆ is as described above. The product, a compound of Formula 117, isisolated and purified, preferably on RP-HPLC using a mixture ofacetonitrile and H₂O as eluent.

Optionally, any protecting groups on compounds of Formula 117 are thenremoved. For example, if R₅ comprises a protected amine wherein theprotecting group is a Boc group, the Boc group can be removed bytreatment of the compound of Formula 117 with an acid such astrifluoroacetic acid in a nonpolar, aprotic solvent such asdichloromethane, while maintaining the reaction at about roomtemperature. The reaction is monitored e.g., by TLC. Upon completion,the product is isolated and purified.

In certain compounds of the invention, particular stereoconfigurationcan be preferred for the R₂ substituent, such as the (R) isomer, whichcan be obtained. A free amine is dissolved in an inert organic solvent(such as IPA) and warmed to 60° C. In a separate vessel, a resolvingagent (such as dibenzoyl-D-tartaric acid) is dissolved, preferably inthe same warm solvent, and then quickly added (with agitation) to thewarm amine solution. The reaction mixture is left to crystallize bycooling to room temperature over 16 hours under continuing agitation.The desired isomer, e.g., the (R) isomer is isolated and purified in theusual manner.

For the sake of brevity in the remaining description of the synthesis ofcompounds of Formula I, it should be understood that either singleisomer or a mixture of isomers may be employed to give the correspondingproduct.

Preparation of Compounds of Formula 102

Referring to Reaction Scheme 1B, Step 1, to a solution of a compound ofFormula 101, preferably wherein the amine protecting group, PG, is CBZ,in a nonpolar, aprotic solvent such as THF is added an excess,preferably about 1.1 equivalents, of ethyl chloroformate and an excess,preferably about 1.2 equivalents, of a tertiary amine base such astriethylamine or DIEA at about 0° C. The reaction mixture is stirredunder an inert atmosphere, such as nitrogen. After about one hour, anexcess, preferably about 1.2 equivalents, of ammonia is added over about5 minutes. Upon completion of addition, the reaction solution is allowedto warm to room temperature. The product, a compound of Formula 102 isisolated and used without further purification.

Preparation of Compounds of Formula 104

Referring to Reaction Scheme 1B, Step 2, to a suspension of a compoundof Formula 102 in a nonpolar, aprotic solvent such as dichloromethane isadded an excess, preferably about 1.7 equivalents, of Meerwein's salt(e.g., triethyloxonium hexafluorophosphate). The resulting mixture isstirred for about 14 h. The product, a compound of Formula 104, isisolated and used without further purification.

Preparation of Compounds of Formula 106

Referring to Reaction Scheme 1B, Step 3, to a solution of a compound ofFormula 104 in a nonpolar, aprotic solvent such as THF is added anexcess of a hydrazine of Formula R₄NHNH₂. The resulting mixture isstirred for about 14 hours. The product, a compound of Formula 106, isisolated and used without further purification.

Preparation of Compounds of Formula 108

Referring to Reaction Scheme 1B, Step 4, to a solution of a compound ofFormula 106 in a nonpolar, aprotic solvent such as THF is added anexcess, preferably about two equivalents of 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole(CDI). The resulting solution is stirred for about 14-48 h. The product,a compound of Formula 108, is isolated and purified, preferably, viaflash column chromatography using a mixture of ethyl acetate and hexaneas eluent.

Preparation of Compounds of Formula 111

Referring to Reaction Scheme 1B, Step 5, to a solution of a compound ofFormula 108 in a polar, aprotic solvent such as DMF is added an excess,preferably about 1.8 equivalents, of a compound of formula R₁—X whereinR₁ is as defined above and X is a leaving group such as chloro,tosylate, triflate, mesylate, iodo or bromo, and an excess, preferablyabout two equivalents of a base such as potassium carbonate. Theresulting mixture is stirred for about 14-18 h. The product, a compoundof Formula 111 is isolated and purified, preferably on RP-HPLC using amixture of acetonitrile and H₂O.

Referring to Reaction Scheme 2, to a solution of a compound of Formula115 and an amine base such as diisopropylethylamine in a nonpolar,aprotic solvent such as dichloromethane is added a compound having theformula Cl—S(O)₂—R_(6a) or O—(S(O)₂—R_(6a))₂ where R_(6a) is asdescribed above. The resulting solution is stirred under nitrogen atroom temperature for several hours. The product, a compound of Formula203 is isolated and purified.

Referring to Reaction Scheme 3, to a solution of a compound of Formula115 and an amine base such as diisopropylethylamine in a nonpolar,aprotic solvent such as dichloromethane is added a compound having theformula X—R₃ where X is a leaving group, such as tosylate, mesylate, Bror Cl. The resulting solution is stirred under nitrogen at roomtemperature or with heat for several hours. The product, a compound ofFormula 303 is isolated and purified.

Preparation of Formula 403

Referring to Reaction Scheme 4, Step 1, to an optionally substitutedcompound of Formula 113 dissolved in a polar, aprotic solvent (such asDMF) in the presence of a base (such as potassium carbonate) is addedone equivalent of an optionally substituted suitably protected aldehydewherein such aldehyde further comprises a leaving group, preferably, ahalide. The solution is heated at reflux, monitoring completion of thereaction (e.g., by TLC). The reaction mixture is cooled and thecorresponding, optionally substituted compound of Formula 403 isisolated and purified.

Preparation of Formula 405

Referring to Reaction Scheme 4, Step 2, to an optionally substitutedcompound of Formula 403 in an inert solvent (such as dichloromethane) inthe presence of about 1.5 molar equivalents of an amine base (such astriethylamine) is added about 1.5 molar equivalents of an R₉ acidchloride, such as Cl—C(O)—R₉, where R₉ is as described herein. Thereaction takes place, with stirring, at room temperature over a periodof 4 to 24 hours. Completion is monitored, e.g., by TLC. Thecorresponding compound of Formula 405 is isolated and purified.

Preparation of Formula 407

Referring to Reaction Scheme 4, Step 3, a solution of a compound ofFormula 405 and an excess of ammonium acetate in acetic acid is heatedat reflux for 1-4 hours. Completion is monitored, e.g., by TLC. Thecorresponding compound of Formula 407 is isolated and purified.

Preparation of Formula 503

Referring to Reaction Scheme 5, Step 1, a suspension of a compound ofFormula 113, an alpha-haloketone reagent of the Formula R_(13′)(CO)CH₂Xwherein X is a halide and R_(13′) is as described herein, and about anequivalent of a base, such as potassium carbonate in a polar, aproticsolvent such as DMF is stirred at room temperature. The reaction isdiluted with water and the resulting solid, a compound of Formula 503,is used in the subsequent step without further purification.

Preparation of Formula 505

Referring to Reaction Scheme 5, Step 2, a solution of the compound ofFormula 503, about an equivalent of an amine base, such as triethylamineand about an equivalent of an acid chloride (such as a compound ofFormula R₉—COCl) in an organic solvent such as methylene chloride isstirred at room temperature for several hours. Completion is monitored,e.g., by TLC. The corresponding compound of Formula 505 is isolated andpurified.

Preparation of Formula 507

Referring to Reaction Scheme 5, Step 3, a solution of a compound ofFormula 505 and an excess of ammonium acetate in acetic acid is heatedat reflux using a Dean-Stark trap and condenser. Completion ismonitored, e.g., by TLC. The corresponding compound of Formula 507 isisolated and purified.

When R_(13′) comprises a phthalimide protecting group, the protectinggroup is removed as follows. A solution of a compound of Formula 507 andan excess of anhydrous hydrazine in a polar, protic solvent such asethanol is heated at reflux. The reaction is cooled to about 5° C. andany precipitate is filtered off. The filtrate is concentrated in vacuoand purified to yield the deprotected amine. One of skill in the artwill appreciate that other conditions may be used to remove otherprotecting groups.

Preparation of Formula 603

Referring to Reaction Scheme 6, Step 4, reductive amination of amines ofFormula 113 with an optionally substituted, aldehyde-containing carbamicacid ester gives urethane intermediates. Removal of the Boc protectinggroup furnishes an amine of Formula 605.

More specifically, to a solution of a compound of Formula 113 and anequivalent of a suitably protected aldehyde (Seki et. al. Chem. Pharm.Bull. 1996, 44, 2061) in dichloromethane is added a slight excess of areducing agent, such as sodium triacetoxyborohydride. The resultantcloudy mixture is maintained at ambient temperature. Completion ismonitored, e.g., by TLC. The corresponding compound of Formula 603 isisolated and used in the subsequent step without purification.

Preparation of Formula 605

Referring to Reaction Scheme 6, Step 2, to a solution of a compound ofFormula 603 in a nonpolar, aprotic solvent such as dichloromethane isadded a strong acid such as trifluoroacetic acid. The resultant solutionis maintained at ambient temperature overnight and concentrated underreduced pressure. The residue is isolated to give a compound of Formula605 which was used in the subsequent step without purification.

Preparation of Formula 607

Referring to Reaction Scheme 6, Step 3, to a solution of a compound ofFormula 605 in a nonpolar, aprotic solvent such as dichloromethane isadded an excess, preferably about two equivalents of an amine base suchas triethylamine, followed by about an equivalent or slight excess of anacid chloride of the formula R₉COCl. The resultant solution is stirredat ambient temperature for about 3 hours. Completion is monitored, e.g.,by TLC. The corresponding compound of Formula 607 is isolated andpurified.

Preparation of Formula 609

Referring to Reaction Scheme 6, Step 4, a solution of a compound ofFormula 607 in an excess of phosphorus oxychloride is heated at reflux.After 8 hours, the reaction mixture is allowed to cool to ambienttemperature and concentrated under reduced pressure. The correspondingcompound of Formula 609 is isolated and purified.

Preparation of Formula 609

As an alternative to Steps 3 and 4 of Reaction Scheme 6, acylation ofprimary amines of Formula 605, followed by acetic acid mediatedcyclization, can proceed without isolation of the intermediate amides toprovide the target compound of Formula 609. This route is shown inReaction Scheme 7.

More specifically, to a solution of a compound of Formula 605 in anonpolar, aprotic solvent such as dichloromethane is added an excess,preferably about two equivalents of an amine base, such astriethylamine, followed by about an equivalent of an acid chloride ofthe formula R₉COCl. The resultant solution is stirred at ambienttemperature for 2 hours, then evaporated under reduced pressure. Theresultant solid is treated with glacial acetic acid, then the resultantsuspension is heated at reflux for about 48 hours. The reaction iscooled to ambient temperature then evaporated under reduced pressure.The corresponding compound of Formula 609 is isolated and purified.

Referring to Reaction Scheme 8, a compound of Formula 115 is reactedwith a slight excess of a compound of the formula R₇O(CO)Cl in thepresence of a base such as triethylamine in a nonpolar, aprotic solventsuch as dichloromethane. The product, a compound of Formula 803 isisolated and purified.

Referring to Reaction Scheme 9, a compound of Formula 115 is treatedwith a slight excess of an isocyanate R₁₁—N═C═O in the presence of abase, such as triethylamine, in a nonpolar, aprotic solvent, such asdichloromethane. The product, a compound of Formula 903, is isolated andpurified.

Referring to Reaction Scheme 10, reductive amination of the primaryamino group in compounds of Formula 113 with (2-oxo-ethyl)-carbamic acidtert-butyl ester gave the corresponding secondary amine. Acylation withacryloyl chloride followed by deprotection of the tertiary amide andbase mediated cyclisation gave the desired diazepanones. If desired,further functionalization of the basic amine could be accomplished underconditions well known to those skilled in the art.

Referring to Reaction Scheme 11, reductive amination of the primaryamino group in compounds of Formula 113 with (2-oxo-ethyl)-carbamic acidtert-butyl ester gave the corresponding secondary amine. Acylation withchloropivaloyl chloride followed by deprotection of the tertiary amideand base mediated cyclisation gave the desired diazepanones. If desired,further functionalization of the basic amine could be accomplished underconditions well known to those skilled in the art.

Referring to Reaction Scheme 12, a compound of Formula 1201, one-halfmolar equivalent of an optionally substituted piperazine or diazepam (asshown above, where R₃₂ is as described herein) and an excess ofpotassium carbonate are combined in an organic solvent (e.g.,acetonitrile). The reaction takes place under a nitrogen atmosphere atelevated temperature (e.g., 100° C.) over a period of 8 hours, followedat a somewhat lower temperature (e.g., 60° C.) for a period of 5 days.The product, a compound of Formula 1203, is isolated and purified.

Optionally, in the event that R₃₂ is an amine protecting group, such asBoc, it may be removed by for example treatment with a 95/5 mixture ofTFA/water followed by stirring at room temperature for 1 hour. Theproduct, a compound of Formula 1203 wherein R₃₂ is hydrogen, can beisolated and purified. If desired, further functionalization of thebasic amine could be accomplished under conditions well known to thoseskilled in the art.

Particular Processes and Last Steps

A compound of Formula I is optionally contacted with a pharmaceuticallyacceptable acid or base to form the corresponding acid or base additionsalt.

A pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt of a compound ofFormula I is optionally contacted with a base to form the correspondingfree base of Formula I.

A pharmaceutically acceptable base addition salt of a compound ofFormula I is optionally contacted with an acid to form the correspondingfree acid of Formula I.

Particular Embodiments of Compounds of the Invention

T and T′

When considering the compounds of Formula I, T is optionally substitutedalkylene or is absent; and T′ is optionally substituted alkylene or isabsent. In one embodiment, one of T and T′ is absent and the other isoptionally substituted alkylene (especially optionally substitutedmethylene). In another embodiment, both are absent.

R₁

When considering the compounds of Formula I, in a particular embodimentR₁ is selected from hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionallysubstituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionallysubstituted aralkyl, and optionally substituted heteroaralkyl. In aparticular embodiment, R₁ is not optionally substituted phenyl when R₄is optionally substituted phenyl.

In a more particular embodiment R₁ is selected from hydrogen, optionallysubstituted lower alkyl, optionally substituted benzyl, optionallysubstituted naphthylmethyl, and optionally substituted phenyl.

In a most particular embodiment R₁ is chosen from hydrogen, ethyl,propyl, methoxyethyl, naphthyl, phenyl, bromophenyl, chlorophenyl,methoxyphenyl, ethoxyphenyl, tolyl, dimethylphenyl, chorofluorophenyl,methylchlorophenyl, ethylphenyl, phenethyl, benzyl, chlorobenzyl,methylbenzyl, methoxybenzyl, cyanobenzyl, hydroxybenzyl,tetrahydrofuranylmethyl, dichlorobenzyl, furanylmethyl, dimethoxybenzyl,naphthylmethyl, and (ethoxycarbonyl)ethyl. In a more particularembodiment, R₁ is chosen from hydrogen, ethyl, propyl, methoxyethyl,naphthyl, phenethyl, benzyl, chlorobenzyl, methylbenzyl, methoxybenzyl,cyanobenzyl, hydroxybenzyl, tetrahydrofuranylmethyl, dichlorobenzyl,furanylmethyl, dimethoxybenzyl, naphthylmethyl, and(ethoxycarbonyl)ethyl.

Most particularly, R₁ is benzyl, chlorobenzyl, methylbenzyl,methoxybenzyl, cyanobenzyl, or hydroxybenzyl. Most particularly, R₁ isbenzyl.

R₂

When considering the compounds of Formula I and as will be appreciatedby those skilled in the art, the compounds described herein possess apotentially chiral center at the carbon to which R₂ and R_(2′) areattached. The R₂ and R_(2′) groups may be the same or different; ifdifferent, the compound is chiral (i.e., has a stereogenic center). WhenR₂ and R₂′ are different, in particular embodiments R_(2′) is hydrogenand R₂ is other than hydrogen. The invention contemplates the use ofpure enantiomers and mixtures of enantiomers, including racemicmixtures, although the use of a substantially optically pure enantiomerwill generally be preferred. The term “substantially optically pure” or“enantiomerically pure” means having at least about 95% of the describedenantiomer with no single impurity greater than about 1% andparticularly, at least about 97.5% enantiomeric excess. In a particularembodiment, the stereogenic center to which R₂ and R_(2′) are attachedis of the R configuration.

In one embodiment, R₂ is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, and R_(2′)is hydrogen or optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl. More particularly, R₂is hydrogen and R₂ is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl. In a mostparticular embodiment R₂ is chosen from methyl, ethyl, propyl(particularly, c-propyl or i-propyl), butyl (particularly, t-butyl),methylthioethyl, methylthiomethyl, aminobutyl, (CBZ)aminobutyl,cyclohexylmethyl, benzyloxymethyl, methylsulfinylethyl,methylsulfinylmethyl, and hydroxymethyl, and R_(2′) is hydrogen.Especially preferred is when R_(2′) is hydrogen and R₂ is ethyl orpropyl (particularly, c-propyl or i-propyl). More particularly, R₂ isi-propyl. More preferred is the embodiment wherein the stereogeniccenter to which R₂ and R_(2′) is attached is of the R configuration.

In another embodiment, both R₂ and R_(2′) are hydrogen.

R₂ taken Together with R₅

In another embodiment, R₂ and R₅ taken together form a 5- to 12-memberedring which optionally incorporates from one to two additionalheteroatoms, selected from N, O, and S in the heterocycle ring and mayoptionally be substituted one or more of the following groups: hydroxyl,halogen (particularly chloro and fluoro), optionally substituted C₁-C₄alkyl- (particularly methyl-), C₁-C₄ alkoxy (particularly methoxy),cyano, amino, substituted amino, oxo, or carbamyl.

In a particular embodiment, R₂ and R₅ taken together form an optionallysubstituted ring of the formula:

wherein R₄₁ and R_(41′) are independently chosen from hydrogen, alkyl,aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl, substituted alkyl, substituted aryl,substituted aralkyl, and substituted heteroaryl; m is 0, 1, 2, or 3; andT, T′, R₄, and R_(2′), are as defined above. In a more particularembodiment, R₄₁ is hydrogen. In another particular embodiment, both R₄₁and R_(41′) are hydrogen. In another embodiment, R₄ is optionallysubstituted aralkyl (especially benzyl) or optionally substituted acyl(especially p-methyl-benzoyl). See, e.g., U.S. Ser. No. 60/414,756,which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

In another embodiment, R₂ and R₅ taken together form an optionallysubstituted ring of the formula:

wherein R₃, R_(2′), T, and T′ are as defined above, R₅₁ and R_(51′) areindependently chosen from hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl,substituted alkyl, substituted aryl, substituted aralkyl and substitutedheteroaryl; U is a covalent bond, CR′R″ or NR′″; R′ and R″ areindependently chosen from hydrogen, hydroxy, amino, optionallysubstituted aryl, optionally substituted alkylamino, optionallysubstituted alkyl and optionally substituted alkoxy; and R′″ is chosenfrom hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substitutedaryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl,and optionally substituted heteroaralkyl, provided that U and T′ are notboth covalent bonds.

In a particular embodiment, R₅₁ is hydrogen or optionally substitutedlower alkyl; more particularly, R₅₁ is hydrogen. In another embodiment,R_(51′) is hydrogen or optionally substituted lower alkyl; moreparticularly, R_(51′) is hydrogen.

In one embodiment, R₃ is optionally substituted aryl or optionallysubstituted aralkyl; more particularly, R₃ is optionally substitutedphenyl, benzyl or methyl-benzyl (especially, benzyl or methyl-benzyl).

In one embodiment, U is CR′R″ where R′ and/or R″ are hydrogen. Inanother embodiment, U is NR′″ where R′″ is hydrogen or optionallysubstituted alkyl. More particularly, R′″ is hydrogen or optionallysubstituted amino-lower alkyl. See, e.g., U.S. Ser. No. 60/398,224,which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

R₄

When considering the compounds of Formula I, in a particular embodiment,R₄ is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl (particularly, methyl,ethyl, or propyl), optionally substituted aralkyl (especially benzyl),optionally substituted aryl (particularly, phenyl, optionallysubstituted phenyl), carbamyl, heteroaryl (particularly, pyridinyl), oroptionally substituted heterocyclyl (particularly, morpholinyl orpiperazinyl).

More particularly, R₄ is methyl, ethyl, propyl, phenyl, halophenyl-,methylphenyl-, methoxyphenyl-, cyanophenyl-, trifluoromethylphenyl-,dihalophenyl-, pyridinyl, or benzyl. In a most particular embodiment, R₄is phenyl, halophenyl-, methylphenyl-, methoxyphenyl-, cyanophenyl-,trifluoromethylphenyl-, or dihalophenyl-.

R₆ Groups When R₃ is —C(O)R₆

When considering the compounds of Formula I wherein R₃ is —C(O)R₆, in aparticular embodiment R₆ is selected from optionally substituted C₁-C₈alkyl, optionally substituted aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl-, optionally substitutedheteroaryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl-, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionallysubstituted aryl, R₇O— and R₁₁—NH—, R₇ is chosen from optionallysubstituted C₁-C₈ alkyl and optionally substituted aryl, and R₁₁ ischosen from hydrogen, optionally substituted C₁-C₈ alkyl and optionallysubstituted aryl.

Particular R₆ are selected from optionally substituted C₁-C₈ alkyl,optionally substituted aryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl-, optionally substitutedheteroaryl-C₁-C₄-alkyl-, optionally substituted heteroaryl, andoptionally substituted aryl. In a more particular embodiment, R₆ ischosen from

phenyl;

phenyl substituted with one or more of the following substituents: halo;C₁-C₄ alkyl; C₁-C₄ alkyl substituted with hydroxy (e.g., hydroxymethyl);C₁-C₄ alkoxy; C₁-C₄ alkyl substituted with C₁-C₄ alkoxy, halo, nitro,formyl, carboxy, cyano, methylenedioxy, ethylenedioxy, acyl (e.g.,acetyl), —N-acyl (e.g., N-acetyl) or trifluoromethyl;

benzyl;

phenoxymethyl-;

halophenoxymethyl-;

phenylvinyl-;

heteroaryl-;

heteroaryl- substituted with C₁-C₄ alkyl or C₁-C₄ alkyl substituted withhalo (e.g., CF₃);

C₁-C₄ alkyl substituted with C₁-C₄ alkoxy-; and

benzyloxymethyl-.

In a most particular embodiment, when R₆ is not R₁₁NH— or R₇O—, R₆ ischosen from phenyl, halophenyl, dihalophenyl, cyanophenyl,halo(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, hydroxymethylphenyl, methoxymethylphenyl,methoxyphenyl, ethoxyphenyl, carboxyphenyl, formylphenyl, ethylphenyl,tolyl, methylenedioxyphenyl, ethylenedioxyphenyl, methoxychlorophenyl,dihydro-benzodioxinyl, methylhalophenyl, trifluoromethylphenyl, furanyl,C₁-C₄ alkyl substituted furanyl, trifluoromethylfuranyl, C₁-C₄ alkylsubstituted trifluoromethylfuranyl, benzofuranyl, thiophenyl, C₁-C₄alkyl substituted thiophenyl, benzothiophenyl, benzothiadiazolyl,pyridinyl, indolyl, methylpyridinyl, trifluoromethylpyridinyl, pyrrolyl,quinolinyl, picolinyl, pyrazolyl, C₁-C₄ alkyl substituted pyrazolyl,N-methyl pyrazolyl, C₁-C₄ alkyl substituted N-methyl pyrazolyl, C₁-C₄alkyl substituted pyrazinyl, C₁-C₄ alkyl substituted isoxazolyl,benzoisoxazolyl, morpholinomethyl, methylthiomethyl, methoxymethyl,N-methyl imidazolyl, and imidazolyl. Yet more particularly, R₆ isoptionally substituted phenyl (especially, tolyl, halophenyl,methylhalophenyl, hydroxymethylphenyl, halo(trifluoromethyl)phenyl-,methylenedioxyphenyl, formylphenyl or cyanophenyl).

In a more particular embodiment, when R₆ is R₁₁NH—, R₁₁ is chosen fromhydrogen, C₁-C₄ alkyl; cyclohexyl; phenyl; and phenyl substituted withhalo, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, or C₁-C₄ alkylthio.

In a most particular embodiment, when R₆ is R₁₁NH—, R₁₁ is hydrogenisopropyl, butyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl, bromophenyl, dichlorophenyl,methoxyphenyl, ethylphenyl, tolyl, trifluoromethylphenyl ormethylthiophenyl.

In an embodiment, wherein R₆ is R₇O—, R₇ is chosen from optionallysubstituted C₁-C₈ alkyl and optionally substituted aryl.

R_(6a)Groups when R₃ is —SO₂R_(6a)

In one embodiment, when R₃ is —SO₂R_(6a), R_(6a) is chosen from C₁-C₁₃alkyl; phenyl; naphthyl; phenyl substituted with halo, C₁-C₄ alkyl,C₁-C₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, methylenedioxy, or trifluoromethyl;biphenylyl and heteroaryl. More particularly, R_(6a) is chosen fromphenyl substituted with halo, C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro,methylenedioxy, or trifluoromethyl and naphthyl.

R₃ taken Together with R₅

When considering the compounds of Formula I, in one embodiment, R₃ takentogether with R₅, and the nitrogen to which they are bound, form anoptionally substituted 5- to 12-membered nitrogen-containingheterocycle, which optionally incorporates from one to two additionalheteroatoms, selected from N, O, and S in the heterocycle ring.

In a particular embodiment, R₃ taken together with R₅ and the nitrogento which they are bound, forms an optionally substituted imidazolyl ringof the formula:

wherein

R₉ is chosen from hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionallysubstituted aryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substitutedheteroaralkyl, optionally substituted aralkoxy, optionally substitutedheteroaralkoxy, and optionally substituted heteroaryl; and

R₁₃ and R_(13′) are independently hydrogen, optionally substitutedalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted aralkyl.

More particularly, when R₃ taken together with R₅ and the nitrogen towhich they are bound, forms an optionally substituted imidazolinyl ring,R₉ is aryl (especially phenyl), substituted aryl (especially loweralkyl-, lower alkoxy-, and/or halo-substituted phenyl), aralkyl(especially benzyl and phenylvinyl), heteroaryl, substituted heteroaryl,heteroaralkyl, aralkoxy (especially phenoxy lower alkyl),heteroaralkoxy, substituted aralkyl (especially substituted benzyl andsubstituted styrenyl), substituted heteroaralkyl, substituted aralkoxy(especially substituted phenoxy lower alkyl), or substitutedheteroaralkoxy. See, e.g., PCT/US03/14787, which is incorporated hereinby reference.

In another particular embodiment, R₃ taken together with R₅ forms anoptionally substituted imidazolinyl ring of the formula:

wherein,

R₉ is chosen from hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionallysubstituted aryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substitutedheteroaryl, optionally substituted heteroaralkyl, optionally substitutedaralkoxy, or optionally substituted heteroaralkoxy; and

R₁₀, R_(10′), R₁₄, and R_(14′) are independently chosen from hydrogen,optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted aryl, andoptionally substituted aralkyl.

When R₃ taken together with R₅ forms an optionally substitutedimidazolinyl ring, in a particular embodiment, R₉ is aryl (especiallyphenyl), substituted aryl (especially lower alkyl-, lower alkoxy-,and/or halo-substituted phenyl), aralkyl (especially benzyl andphenylvinyl), heteroaryl, substituted heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl,aralkoxy (especially phenoxy lower alkyl), heteroaralkoxy, substitutedaralkyl (especially substituted benzyl and substituted styrenyl),substituted heteroaralkyl, substituted aralkoxy (especially substitutedphenoxy lower alkyl), or substituted heteroaralkoxy.

When R₃ taken together with R₅ forms an optionally substitutedimidazolinyl ring, more particularly, R₁₀ is hydrogen or optionallysubstituted lower alkyl, and R_(10′) is hydrogen or optionallysubstituted lower alkyl.

In another embodiment, R₃ taken together with R₅ forms an optionallysubstituted diazepinone ring of the formula:

wherein A and B are each independently chosen from C(R₂₀)(R₂₁), N(R₂₂),O or S, wherein R₂₀ and R₂₁ are each independently selected from H,optionally substituted alkyl optionally substituted aryl and optionallysubstituted heteroaryl; and R₂₂ is H, optionally substituted alkyl,optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substituted heteroaralkyl,optionally substituted alkylcarbonyl, optionally substitutedarylcarbonyl, optionally substituted heteroarylcarbonyl, optionallysubstituted aralkylcarbonyl, optionally substitutedheteroaralkylcarbonyl, optionally substituted alkoxycarbonyl, optionallysubstituted aryloxycarbonyl, optionally substitutedheteroaryloxycarbonyl, optionally substituted aralkyloxycarbonyl,optionally substituted heteroarallcyloxycarbonyl. In a more particularembodiment, the diazepinone ring is further substituted with one or moreof the following groups: optionally substituted alkyl, optionallysubstituted aryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substitutedheteroaryl, and optionally substituted heteroaralkyl.

In yet another embodiment of the compounds of Formula I, one of A or Bis C(R₂₀)(R₂₁), wherein R₂₀ and R₂₁ are each independently selected fromH or C₁-C₄ alkyl, and the other of A or B is N(R₂₂), where R₂₂ is H,C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted aralkyl, optionally substitutedheteroaralkyl, C₁-C₆ alkylcarbonyl, optionally substituted arylcarbonyl,optionally substituted heteroarylcarbonyl, optionally substitutedaralkylcarbonyl, optionally substituted heteroaralkylcarbonyl, C₁-C₆alkoxycarbonyl, optionally substituted aryloxycarbonyl, optionallysubstituted heteroaryloxycarbonyl, optionally substitutedaralkyloxycarbonyl, optionally substituted heteroalkyloxycarbonyl, wherethe optionally substituted aryl or heteroaryl groups or moieties areunsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents selected fromC₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ haloalkyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₁-C₄ haloalkoxy, amino,C₁-C₄ alkylamino, di-C₁-C₄ alkylamino, carboxy, C₁-C₄ alkylcarbonyloxy,C₁-C₄ alkoxycarbonyl, carboxamido, C₁-C₄ alkylcarboxamido,aminocarbonyl, C₁-₄ alkylaminocarbonyl, di-C₁-C₄ alkylaminocarbonyl,cyano, C₁-C₄ alkylcarbonyl, halogen, hydroxyl, mercapto and nitro. Inanother embodiment, A is C(R₂₀)(R₂₁), wherein R₂₀ and R₂₁ are each H orC₁-C₄ alkyl, and B is N(R₂₂), where R₂₂ is H, C₁-C₄ alkyl, aralkyl,heteroaralkyl, C₁-C₆ alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, heteroarylcarbonyl. Inspecific embodiments of the compounds of Formula I, A is CH₂, and B isN(R₂₂), where R₂₂ is H, methyl, benzyl or acetyl (—C(O)methyl). See,e.g., U.S. Ser. No. 60/435,001, which is incorporated herein byreference for all purposes.

In another embodiment, R₃ taken together with R₅ forms an optionallysubstituted piperazine- or diazepam of the formula:

R₃₁ and R₃₂ are independently chosen from hydrogen, optionallysubstituted alkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substitutedheteroaryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, and optionally substitutedheteroaralkyl; and n is 1 or 2. More particularly, R₃₁ is aryl(especially phenyl), substituted aryl (especially lower alkyl-, loweralkoxy-, and/or halo-substituted phenyl), aralkyl (especially benzyl andphenylvinyl), heteroaralkyl, substituted aralkyl (especially substitutedbenzyl and substituted phenylvinyl), or substituted heteroaralkyl; R₃₂is hydrogen; and n is 1. See, e.g., U.S. Ser. No. 60/404,864, which isincorporated herein by reference.R₃

In another embodiment, R₃ is chosen from optionally substituted C₁-C₁₃alkyl (especially substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl); optionally substitutedaralkyl (especially optionally substituted benzyl or maphthylmethyl-);and optionally substituted heteroaralkyl. More particularly, R₃ isbenzyl or benzyl substituted with one or more of the following groups:carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl cyano, halo, C₁-C₄ alkyl-, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, nitro,methylenedioxy, or trifluoromethyl.

R₅

In one embodiment, R₅ is chosen from optionally substituted alkyl,optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, andoptionally substituted heteroaralkyl.

In a more particular embodiment, R₅ is selected from optionallysubstituted alkyl, optionally substituted cyclohexyl; phenyl substitutedwith hydroxy, halogen, lower alkoxy or lower alkyl; benzyl;heteroarylmethyl; heteroarylethyl; and heteroarylpropyl.

In a most particular embodiment, R₅ is chosen from methyl, ethyl,propyl, butyl, cyclohexyl, carboxyethyl, carboxymethyl, methoxyethyl,hydroxyethyl, hydroxypropyl, dimethylaminoethyl, dimethylaminopropyl,diethylaminoethyl, diethylaminopropyl, aminopropyl, methylaminopropyl,2,2-dimethyl-3-(dimethylamino)propyl,1-cyclohexyl-4-(diethylamino)butyl, aminoethyl, aminobutyl, aminopentyl,aminohexyl, aminoethoxyethyl, isopropylaminopropyl,diisopropylaminoethyl, 1-methyl-4-(diethylamino)butyl,(t-Boc)aminopropyl, hydroxyphenyl, benzyl, methoxyphenyl,methylmethoxyphenyl, dimethylphenyl, tolyl, ethylphenyl,(oxopyrrolidinyl)propyl, (methoxycarbonyl)ethyl, pyridinylethyl,pyridinylmethyl, morpholinylethyl morpholinylpropyl, azetidinylmethyl,azetidinylethyl, azetidinylpropyl pyrrolidinylethyl, pyrrolidinylpropyl,piperidinylmethyl, piperidinylethyl, imidazolylpropyl, imidazolylethyl,(ethylpyrrolidinyl)methyl, (methylpyrrolidinyl)ethyl,(methylpiperidinyl)propyl, (methylpiperazinyl)propyl, furanylmethyl andindolylethyl.

More particularly, R₅ is aminopropyl-; pyrrolidinylmethyl-; orpiperidinylmethyl-.

Salt Forms

Compounds of the invention will generally be capable of forming acidaddition salts (i.e., will comprise a site which reacts with apharmaceutically acceptable acid to form an acid addition salt.) Thepresent invention includes pharmaceutically acceptable acid additionsalts of the compounds of Formula I. Acid addition salts of the presentcompounds are prepared in a standard manner in a suitable solvent fromthe parent compound and an excess of an acid, such as hydrochloric,hydrobromic, sulfuric, phosphoric, acetic, maleic, succinic ormethanesulfonic.

The salts and/or solvates of the compounds of the formula I which arenot pharmaceutically acceptable may be useful as intermediates in thepreparation of pharmaceutically acceptable salts and/or solvates ofcompounds of formula I or the compounds of the formula I themselves, andas such form another aspect of the present invention.

Particular Subgenus of Compounds of Formula I

In a particular subgenus of compounds of Formula I, T and T′ are absent;R₁ is benzyl, chlorobenzyl, methylbenzyl, methoxybenzyl, cyanobenzyl, orhydroxybenzyl; R₂ is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl; R_(2′) ishydrogen; R₄ is phenyl, halophenyl-, methylphenyl-, methoxyphenyl-,cyanophenyl-, trifluoromethylphenyl-, or dihalophenyl-; R₃ is hydrogen;and R₅ is hydrogen.

In another subgenus of compounds of Formula I, T and T′ are absent; R₁is benzyl, chlorobenzyl, methylbenzyl, methoxybenzyl, cyanobenzyl, orhydroxybenzyl; R₂ is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl; R_(2′) ishydrogen; R₄ is phenyl, halophenyl-, methylphenyl-, methoxyphenyl-,cyanophenyl-, trifluoromethylphenyl-, or dihalophenyl-; and R₃ is—C(O)R₆; R₅ is selected from optionally substituted alkyl, optionallysubstituted cyclohexyl; phenyl substituted with hydroxy, halogen, loweralkoxy or lower alkyl; benzyl; heteroarylmethyl; heteroarylethyl; andheteroarylpropyl; and R₆ is tolyl, halophenyl, methylhalophenyl,hydroxymethylphenyl, methylenedioxyphenyl, formylphenyl,halo(trifluoromethyl)phenyl-, or cyanophenyl.

In another subgenus of compounds of Formula I, T and T′ are absent; R₁is benzyl, chlorobenzyl, methylbenzyl, methoxybenzyl, cyanobenzyl, orhydroxybenzyl; R₂ is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl; R_(2′) ishydrogen; R₄ is phenyl, halophenyl-, methylphenyl-, methoxyphenyl-,cyanophenyl-, trifluoromethylphenyl-, or dihalophenyl-; and R₃ is—C(O)R_(6a); R₅ is selected from optionally substituted alkyl,optionally substituted cyclohexyl; phenyl substituted with hydroxy,halogen, lower alkoxy or lower alkyl; benzyl; heteroarylmethyl;heteroarylethyl; and heteroarylpropyl; and R_(6a) is chosen from phenylsubstituted with halo, C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro,methylenedioxy, or trifluoromethyl and naphthyl.

In another subgenus of compounds of Formula I, T and T′ are absent; R₁is benzyl, chlorobenzyl, methylbenzyl, methoxybenzyl, cyanobenzyl, orhydroxybenzyl; R₂ is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl; R_(2′) ishydrogen; R₄ is phenyl, halophenyl-, methylphenyl-, methoxyphenyl-,cyanophenyl-, trifluoromethylphenyl-, or dihalophenyl-; R₃ is optionallysubstituted C₁-C₁₃ alkyl, optionally substituted aralkyl or optionallysubstituted heteroaralkyl; and R₅ is selected from optionallysubstituted alkyl, optionally substituted cyclohexyl; phenyl substitutedwith hydroxy, halogen, lower alkoxy or lower alkyl; benzyl;heteroarylmethyl; heteroarylethyl; and heteroarylpropyl.

In a particular subgenus of compounds of Formula I, T and T′ are absent;R₁ is benzyl, chlorobenzyl, methylbenzyl, methoxybenzyl, cyanobenzyl, orhydroxybenzyl; R₂ is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl; R_(2′) ishydrogen; R₄ is phenyl, halophenyl-, methylphenyl-, methoxyphenyl-,cyanophenyl-, trifluoromethylphenyl-, or dihalophenyl-; and R₅ takentogether with R₃ is an optionally substituted imidazolinyl.

In a particular subgenus of compounds of Formula I, T and T′ are absent;R₁ is benzyl, chlorobenzyl, methylbenzyl, methoxybenzyl, cyanobenzyl, orhydroxybenzyl; R₂ is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl; R_(2′) ishydrogen; R₄ is phenyl, halophenyl-, methylphenyl-, methoxyphenyl-,cyanophenyl-, trifluoromethylphenyl-, or dihalophenyl-; and R₅ takentogether with R₃ is an optionally substituted imidazolyl.

In a particular subgenus of compounds of Formula I, T and T′ are absent;R₁ is benzyl, chlorobenzyl, methylbenzyl, methoxybenzyl, cyanobenzyl, orhydroxybenzyl; R₂ is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl; R_(2′) ishydrogen; R₄ is phenyl, halophenyl-, methylphenyl-, methoxyphenyl-,cyanophenyl-, trifluoromethylphenyl-, or dihalophenyl-; and R₅ takentogether with R₃ is an optionally substituted imidazolidinyl ring.

In a particular subgenus of compounds of Formula I, T and T′ are absent;R₁ is benzyl, chlorobenzyl, methylbenzyl, methoxybenzyl, cyanobenzyl, orhydroxybenzyl; R₂is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl; R_(2 ′) ishydrogen; R₄ is phenyl, halophenyl-, methylphenyl-, methoxyphenyl-,cyanophenyl-, trifluoromethylphenyl-, or dihalophenyl-; and R₅ takentogether with R₃ is an optionally substituted piperazinyl ring.

In a particular subgenus of compounds of Formula I, T and T′ are absent;R₁ is benzyl, chlorobenzyl, methylbenzyl, methoxybenzyl, cyanobenzyl, orhydroxybenzyl; R₂ is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl; R_(2′) ishydrogen; R₄ is phenyl, halophenyl-, methylphenyl-, methoxyphenyl-,cyanophenyl-, trifluoromethylphenyl-, or dihalophenyl-; and R₅ takentogether with R₃ is an optionally substituted diazepinoyl ring.

Particular compounds of the invention include:

-   -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-[1-(4-benzyl-1-methyl-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-2-methyl-propyl]-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-[1-(1,4-dibenzyl-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-2-methyl-propyl]-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-[1-(4-benzyl-5-oxo-1-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-2-methyl-propyl]-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-[1-(4-benzyl-5-oxo-1-pyridin-2-yl-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-2-methyl-propyl]-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-[1-(4-benzyl-1-ethyl-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-2-methyl-propyl]-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(3-chloro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-5-oxo-1-(2-oxo-propyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-[1-(4-benzyl-1-isopropyl-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-2-methyl-propyl]-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(2-chloro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(4-chloro-phenyl)-5-oxo4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-[1-(4-benzyl-5-oxo-1-propyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-2-methyl-propyl]-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{-1-[4-benzyl-1-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-3-fluoro-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-[1-(4-benzyl-5-oxo-1-m-tolyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-2-methyl-propyl]-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-[1-(4-benzyl-5-oxo-1-m-tolyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-2-methyl-propyl]-3-fluoro-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(3-methoxy-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-3-fluoro-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(3-methoxy-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(4-cyano-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-5-oxo-1-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-[1-(4-benzyl-5-oxo-1-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-2-methyl-propyl]-4-methoxy-benzamide;    -   Benzo[1,3]dioxole-5-carboxylic acid        (3-amino-propyl)-[1-(4-benzyl-5-oxo-1-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-2-methyl-propyl]-amide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-3-fluoro-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-3-fluoro-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-[1-(4-benzyl-5-oxo-1-p-tolyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-2-methyl-propyl]-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-[1-(4-benzyl-5-oxo-1-p-tolyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-2-methyl-propyl]-3-fluoro-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(3-cyano-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-2-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(3,5-difluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(3,5-difluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-3-fluoro-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(3,5-difluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[1-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-4-(3-methoxy-benzyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-2-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-3-fluoro-N-{1-[1-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-4-(3-methoxy-benzyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[1-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-4-(3-methoxy-benzyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-hydroxymethyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-(3-cyano-benzyl)-1-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-2-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-(3-cyano-benzyl)-1-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-3-fluoro-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-(3-cyano-benzyl)-1-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-fluoro-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-(3-cyano-benzyl)-1-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-(3-cyano-benzyl)-1-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-hydroxymethyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-4-fluoro-N-{1-[1-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-4-(3-methoxy-benzyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-3-fluoro-N-{1-[1-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-4-(3-methoxy-benzyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-trifluoromethyl-benzamide;    -   N-{1-[4-Benzyl-1-(3,5-difluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-2-methyl        -N-pyrrolidin-2-ylmethyl-benzamide;    -   N-{1-[4-Benzyl-1-(3,5-difluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-3-fluoro-4-methyl-N-pyrrolidin-2-ylmethyl-benzamide;    -   N-{1-[4-Benzyl-1-(3,5-difluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-2-methyl-N-piperidin-4-ylmethyl-benzamide;    -   N-{1-[4-Benzyl-1-(3,5-difluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-3-fluoro-4-methyl-N-piperidin-4-ylmethyl-benzamide;    -   5-(1-Amino-2-methyl-propyl)-4-benzyl-2-(2-chloro-phenyl)-2,4-dihydro-[1,2,4]triazol-3-one;    -   5-(1-Amino-2-methyl-propyl)-4-benzyl-2-phenyl-2,4-dihydro-[1,2,4]triazol-3-one;    -   N-(2-Aminoethyl)-N-{1-[1-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-5-oxo-4-(phenylmethyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]-2-methylpropyl}-2-methylbenzamide    -   N-(3-Aminopropyl)-N-{1-[1        -(3,5-difluorophenyl)-5-oxo-4-(phenylmethyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]-2-methylpropyl}-4-(hydroxymethyl)        Benzamide; and    -   5-Methyl-isoxazole-3-carboxylic acid        (3-amino-propyl)-[1-(4-benzyl-5-oxo-1-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-2-methyl-propyl]-amide.

More particularly, the invention provides the following compounds:

-   -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-[1-(4-benzyl-5-oxo-1-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-2-methyl-propyl]-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(3-chloro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(4-chloro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-3-fluoro-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-[1-(4-benzyl-5-oxo-1-m-tolyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-2-methyl-propyl]-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-[1-(4-benzyl-5-oxo-1-m-tolyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-2-methyl-propyl]-3-fluoro-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(3-methoxy-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-3-fluoro-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(3-methoxy-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(4-cyano-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-5-oxo-1-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   Benzo[1,3]dioxole-5-carboxylic acid        (3-amino-propyl)-[1-(4-benzyl-5-oxo-1-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-2-methyl-propyl]-amide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-3-fluoro-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-3-fluoro-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-[-(4-benzyl-5-oxo-1-p-tolyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-2-methyl-propyl]-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(3-cyano-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-2-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(3,5-difluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(3,5-difluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-3-fluoro-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(3,5-difluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[1-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-4-(3-methoxy-benzyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-2-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[1-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-4-(3-methoxy-benzyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-hydroxymethyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-(3-cyano-benzyl)-1-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-3-fluoro-4-methyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-(3-cyano-benzyl)-1-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-hydroxymethyl-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-4-fluoro-N-{1-[1-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-4-(3-methoxy-benzyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-benzamide;    -   N-(3-Amino-propyl)-3-fluoro-N-{1-[1-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-4-(3-methoxy-benzyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-trifluoromethyl-benzamide;    -   N-{1-[4-Benzyl-1-(3,5-difluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-2-methyl-N-pyrrolidin-2-ylmethyl-benzamide;    -   N-{1-[4-Benzyl-1-(3,5-difluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-3-fluoro-4-methyl-N-pyrrolidin-2-ylmethyl-benzamide;    -   N-{1-[4-Benzyl-1-(3,5-difluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-3-fluoro-4-methyl-N-piperidin-4-ylmethyl-benzamide;        and    -   5-(1-Amino-2-methyl-propyl)-4-benzyl-2-(2-chloro-phenyl)-2,4-dihydro-[1,2,4]triazol-3-one.

Utility, Testing and Administration

General Utility

Once made, the compounds of the invention find use in a variety ofapplications involving alteration of mitosis. As will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art, mitosis may be altered in a variety of ways;that is, one can affect mitosis either by increasing or decreasing theactivity of a component in the mitotic pathway. Stated differently,mitosis may be affected (e.g., disrupted) by disturbing equilibrium,either by inhibiting or activating certain components. Similarapproaches may be used to alter meiosis.

In a particular embodiment, the compounds of the invention are used toinhibit mitotic spindle formation, thus causing prolonged cell cyclearrest in mitosis. By “inhibit” in this context is meant decreasing orinterfering with mitotic spindle formation or causing mitotic spindledysfunction. By “mitotic spindle formation” herein is meant organizationof microtubules into bipolar structures by mitotic kinesins. By “mitoticspindle dysfunction” herein is meant mitotic arrest and monopolarspindle formation.

The compounds of the invention are useful to bind to, and/or inhibit theactivity of, a mitotic kinesin, KSP. In one embodiment, the KSP is humanKSP, although the compounds may be used to bind to or inhibit theactivity of KSP kinesins from other organisms. In this context,“inhibit” means either increasing or decreasing spindle pole separation,causing malformation, i.e., splaying, of mitotic spindle poles, orotherwise causing morphological perturbation of the mitotic spindle.Also included within the definition of KSP for these purposes arevariants and/or fragments of KSP. See U.S. Pat. No. 6,437,115, herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety. The compounds of theinvention have been shown to have specificity for KSP. However, thepresent invention includes the use of the compounds to bind to ormodulate other mitotic kinesins.

The compounds of the invention are used to treat cellular proliferationdiseases. Such disease states which can be treated by the compounds,compositions and methods provided herein include, but are not limitedto, cancer (further discussed below), autoimmune disease, fungaldisorders, arthritis, graft rejection, inflammatory bowel disease,cellular proliferation induced after medical procedures, including, butnot limited to, surgery, angioplasty, and the like. Treatment includesinhibiting cellular proliferation. It is appreciated that in some casesthe cells may not be in an abnormal state and still require treatment.Thus, in one embodiment, the invention herein includes application tocells or individuals afflicted or subject to impending affliction withany one of these disorders or states.

The compounds, pharmaceutical formulations and methods provided hereinare particularly deemed useful for the treatment of cancer includingsolid tumors such as skin, breast, brain, cervical carcinomas,testicular carcinomas, etc. More particularly, cancers that can betreated include, but are not limited to:

-   -   Cardiac: sarcoma (angiosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma,        liposarcoma), myxoma, rhabdomyoma, fibroma, lipoma and teratoma;    -   Lung: bronchogenic carcinoma (squamous cell, undifferentiated        small cell, undifferentiated large cell, adenocarcinoma),        alveolar (bronchiolar) carcinoma, bronchial adenoma, sarcoma,        lymphoma, chondromatous hamartoma, mesothelioma;    -   Gastrointestinal: esophagus (squamous cell carcinoma,        adenocarcinoma, leiomyosarcoma, lymphoma), stomach (carcinoma,        lymphoma, leiomyosarcoma), pancreas (ductal adenocarcinoma,        insulinoma, glucagonoma, gastrinoma, carcinoid tumors, vipoma),        small bowel (adenocarcinoma, lymphoma, carcinoid tumors,        Karposi's sarcoma, leiomyoma, hemangioma, lipoma, neurofibroma,        fibroma), large bowel (adenocarcinoma, tubular adenoma, villous        adenoma, hainartoma, leiomyoma);    -   Genitourinary tract: kidney (adenocarcinoma, Wilm's tumor        [nephroblastoma], lymphoma, leukemia), bladder and urethra        (squamous cell carcinoma, transitional cell carcinoma,        adenocarcinoma), prostate (adenocarcinoma, sarcoma), testis        (seminoma, teratoma, embryonal carcinoma, teratocarcinoma,        choriocarcinoma, sarcoma, interstitial cell carcinoma, fibroma,        fibroadenoma, adenomatoid tumors, lipoma);    -   Liver: hepatoma (hepatocellular carcinoma), cholangiocarcinoma,        hepatoblastoma, angiosarcoma, hepatocellular adenoma,        hemangioma;    -   Bone: osteogenic sarcoma (osteosarcoma), fibrosarcoma, malignant        fibrous histiocytoma, chondrosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, malignant        lymphoma (reticulum cell sarcoma), multiple myeloma, malignant        giant cell tumor chordoma, osteochronfroma (osteocartilaginous        exostoses), benign chondroma, chondroblastoma,        chondromyxofibroma, osteoid osteoma and giant cell tumors;    -   Nervous system: skull (osteoma, hemangioma, granuloma, xanthoma,        osteitis deformans), meninges (meningioma, meningiosarcoma,        gliomatosis), brain (astrocytoma, medulloblastoma, glioma,        ependymoma, germinoma [pinealoma], glioblastoma multiform,        oligodendroglioma, schwannoma, retinoblastoma, congenital        tumors), spinal cord neurofibroma, meningioma, glioma, sarcoma);    -   Gynecological: uterus (endometrial carcinoma), cervix (cervical        carcinoma, pre-tumor cervical dysplasia), ovaries (ovarian        carcinoma [serous cystadenocarcinoma, mucinous        cystadenocarcinoma, unclassified carcinoma], granulosa-thecal        cell tumors, Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors, dysgerminoma, malignant        teratoma), vulva (squamous cell carcinoma, intraepithelial        carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, fibrosarcoma, melanoma), vagina        (clear cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, botryoid sarcoma        (embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma], fallopian tubes (carcinoma);    -   Hematologic: blood (myeloid leukemia [acute and chronic], acute        lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia,        myeloproliferative diseases, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic        syndrome), Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma [malignant        lymphoma];    -   Skin: malignant melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell        carcinoma, Karposi's sarcoma, moles dysplastic nevi, lipoma,        angioma, dermatofibroma, keloids, psoriasis; and    -   Adrenal glands: neuroblastoma.        As used herein, treatment of cancer includes treatment of        cancerous cells, including cells afflicted by any one of the        above-identified conditions. Thus, the term “cancerous cell” as        provided herein, includes a cell afflicted by any one of the        above identified conditions.

Another useful aspect of the invention is a kit having a compound, saltor solvate of Formula I and a package insert or other labeling includingdirections treating a cellular proliferative disease by administering aneffective amount of the compound, salt or solvate. The compound, salt orsolvate of Formula I in the kits of the invention is particularlyprovided as one or more doses for a course of treatment for a cellularproliferative disease, each dose being a pharmaceutical formulationincluding a pharmaceutical excipient and a compound, salt or solvate ofFormula I.

Testing

For assay of KSP-modulating activity, generally either KSP or a compoundaccording to the invention is non-diffusably bound to an insolublesupport having isolated sample receiving areas (e.g., a microtiterplate, an array, etc.). The insoluble support may be made of anycomposition to which the sample can be bound, is readily separated fromsoluble material, and is otherwise compatible with the overall method ofscreening. The surface of such supports may be solid or porous and ofany convenient shape. Examples of suitable insoluble supports includemicrotiter plates, arrays, membranes and beads. These are typically madeof glass, plastic (e.g., polystyrene), polysaccharides, nylon ornitrocellulose, Teflon™, etc. Microtiter plates and arrays areespecially convenient because a large number of assays can be carriedout simultaneously, using small amounts of reagents and samples. Theparticular manner of binding of the sample is not crucial so long as itis compatible with the reagents and overall methods of the invention,maintains the activity of the sample and is nondiffusable. Particularmethods of binding include the use of antibodies (which do notsterically block either the ligand binding site or activation sequencewhen the protein is bound to the support), direct binding to “sticky” orionic supports, chemical crosslinking, the synthesis of the protein oragent on the surface, etc. Following binding of the sample, excessunbound material is removed by washing. The sample receiving areas maythen be blocked through incubation with bovine serum albumin (BSA),casein or other innocuous protein or other moiety.

The compounds of the invention may be used on their own to inhibit theactivity of a mitotic kinesin, particularly KSP. In one embodiment, acompound of the invention is combined with KSP and the activity of KSPis assayed. Kinesin (including KSP) activity is known in the art andincludes one or more kinesin activities. Kinesin activities include theability to affect ATP hydrolysis; microtubule binding; gliding andpolymerization/depolymerization (effects on microtubule dynamics);binding to other proteins of the spindle; binding to proteins involvedin cell-cycle control; serving as a substrate to other enzymes, such askinases or proteases; and specific kinesin cellular activities such asspindle pole separation.

Methods of performing motility assays are well known to those of skillin the art. (See e.g., Hall, et al. (1996), Biophys. J., 71: 3467-3476,Turner et al., 1996, AnaL. Biochem. 242 (1):20-5; Gittes et al., 1996,Biophys. J. 70(1): 418-29; Shirakawa et al., 1995, J. Exp. Biol. 198:1809-15; Winkelmann et al., 1995, Biophys. J. 68: 2444-53; Winkelmann etal., 1995, Biophys. J. 68: 72S.)

Methods known in the art for determining ATPase hydrolysis activity alsocan be used. Suitably, solution based assays are utilized. U.S. Pat. No.6,410,254, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, describessuch assays. Alternatively, conventional methods are used. For example,P_(i) release from kinesin can be quantified. In one embodiment, theATPase hydrolysis activity assay utilizes 0.3 M PCA (perchloric acid)and malachite green reagent (8.27 mM sodium molybdate II, 0.33 mMmalachite green oxalate, and 0.8 mM Triton X-100). To perform the assay,10 μL of the reaction mixture is quenched in 90 μL of cold 0.3 M PCA.Phosphate standards are used so data can be converted to mM inorganicphosphate released. When all reactions and standards have been quenchedin PCA, 100 μL of malachite green reagent is added to the relevant wellsin e.g., a microtiter plate. The mixture is developed for 10-15 minutesand the plate is read at an absorbance of 650 nm. If phosphate standardswere used, absorbance readings can be converted to mM P_(i) and plottedover time. Additionally, ATPase assays known in the art include theluciferase assay.

ATPase activity of kinesin motor domains also can be used to monitor theeffects of agents and are well known to those skilled in the art. In oneembodiment ATPase assays of kinesin are performed in the absence ofmicrotubules. In another embodiment, the ATPase assays are performed inthe presence of microtubules. Different types of agents can be detectedin the above assays. In a one embodiment, the effect of an agent isindependent of the concentration of microtubules and ATP. In anotherembodiment, the effect of the agents on kinesin ATPase can be decreasedby increasing the concentrations of ATP, microtubules or both. In yetanother embodiment, the effect of the agent is increased by increasingconcentrations of ATP, microtubules or both.

Compounds that inhibit the biochemical activity of KSP in vitro may thenbe screened in vivo. In vivo screening methods include assays of cellcycle distribution, cell viability, or the presence, morphology,activity, distribution, or number of mitotic spindles. Methods formonitoring cell cycle distribution of a cell population, for example, byflow cytometry, are well known to those skilled in the art, as aremethods for determining cell viability. See for example, U.S. Pat. No.6,437,115, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Microscopicmethods for monitoring spindle formation and malformation are well knownto those of skill in the art (see, e.g., Whitehead and Rattner (1998),J. Cell Sci. 111:2551-61; Galgio et al, (1996) J. Cell Biol.,135:399-414), each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The compounds of the invention inhibit the KSP kinesin. One measure ofinhibition is IC₅₀, defined as the concentration of the compound atwhich the activity of KSP is decreased by fifty percent relative to acontrol. Preferred compounds have IC₅₀'s of less than about 1 mM, withpreferred embodiments having IC₅₀'s of less than about 100 μM, with morepreferred embodiments having IC₅₀'s of less than about 10 μM, withparticularly preferred embodiments having IC₅₀'s of less than about 1μM, and especially preferred embodiments having IC₅₀'s of less thanabout 100 nM, and with the most preferred embodiments having IC₅₀'s ofless than about 10 nM. Measurement of IC₅₀ is done using an ATPase assaysuch as described herein.

Another measure of inhibition is K_(i). For compounds with IC₅₀'s lessthan 1 μM, the K_(i) or K_(d) is defined as the dissociation rateconstant for the interaction of the compounds described herein with KSP.Preferred compounds have K_(i)'s of less than about 100 μM, withpreferred embodiments having K_(i)'s of less than about 10 μM, andparticularly preferred embodiments having K_(i)'s of less than about 1μM and especially preferred embodiments having K_(i)'s of less thanabout 100 nM, and with the most preferred embodiments having K_(i)'s ofless than about 10 nM.

The K_(i) for a compound is determined from the IC₅₀ based on threeassumptions and the Michaelis-Menten equation. First, only one compoundmolecule binds to the enzyme and there is no cooperativity. Second, theconcentrations of active enzyme and the compound tested are known (i.e.,there are no significant amounts of impurities or inactive forms in thepreparations). Third, the enzymatic rate of the enzyme-inhibitor complexis zero. The rate (i.e., compound concentration) data are fitted to theequation:

$V = {V_{\max}{E_{0}\mspace{11mu}\left\lbrack {I - \frac{\left( {E_{0} + I_{0} + {Kd}} \right) - \sqrt{\left( {E_{0} + I_{0} + {Kd}} \right)^{2} - {4E_{0}I_{0}}}}{2E_{0}}} \right\rbrack}}$where V is the observed rate, V_(max) is the rate of the free enzyme, I₀is the inhibitor concentration, E₀ is the enzyme concentration, andK_(d) is the dissociation constant of the enzyme-inhibitor complex.

Another measure of inhibition is GI₅₀, defined as the concentration ofthe compound that results in a decrease in the rate of cell growth byfifty percent. Preferred compounds have GI₅₀'s of less than about 1 mM;those having a GI₅₀ of less than about 20 μM are more preferred; thosehaving a GI₅₀ of less than about 10 μM more so; those having a GI₅₀ ofless than about 1 μM more so; those having a GI₅₀ of less than about 100nM more so; and those having a GI₅₀ of less than about 10 nM even moreso. Measurement of GI₅₀ is done using a cell proliferation assay such asdescribed herein. Compounds of this class were found to inhibit cellproliferation.

In vitro potency of small molecule inhibitors is determined, forexample, by assaying human ovarian cancer cells (SKOV3) for viabilityfollowing a 72-hour exposure to a 9-point dilution series of compound.Cell viability is determined by measuring the absorbance of formazon, aproduct formed by the bioreduction of MTS/PMS, a commercially availablereagent. Each point on the dose-response curve is calculated as apercent of untreated control cells at 72 hours minus backgroundabsorption (complete cell kill).

Anti-proliferative compounds that have been successfully applied in theclinic to treatment of cancer (cancer chemotherapeutics) have GI₅₀'sthat vary greatly. For example, in A549 cells, paclitaxel GI₅₀ is 4 nM,doxorubicin is 63 nM, 5-fluorouracil is 1 μM and hydroxyurea is 500 μM(data provided by National Cancer Institute, Developmental TherapeuticProgram, http://dtp.nci.nih.gov/). Therefore, compounds that inhibitcellular proliferation, irrespective of the concentration demonstratinginhibition, have potential clinical usefulness.

To employ the compounds of the invention in a method of screening forcompounds that bind to KSP kinesin, the KSP is bound to a support, and acompound of the invention is added to the assay. Alternatively, thecompound of the invention is bound to the support and KSP is added.Classes of compounds among which novel binding agents may be soughtinclude specific antibodies, non-natural binding agents identified inscreens of chemical libraries, peptide analogs, etc. Of particularinterest are screening assays for candidate agents that have a lowtoxicity for human cells. A wide variety of assays may be used for thispurpose, including labeled in vitro protein-protein binding assays,electrophoretic mobility shift assays, immunoassays for protein binding,functional assays (phosphorylation assays, etc.) and the like.

The determination of the binding of the compound of the invention to KSPmay be done in a number of ways. In one embodiment, the compound islabeled, for example, with a fluorescent or radioactive moiety, andbinding is determined directly. For example, this may be done byattaching all or a portion of KSP to a solid support, adding a labeledtest compound (for example a compound of the invention in which at leastone atom has been replaced by a detectable isotope), washing off excessreagent, and determining whether the amount of the label is that presenton the solid support.

By “labeled” herein is meant that the compound is either directly orindirectly labeled with a label which provides a detectable signal,e.g., radioisotope, fluorescent tag, enzyme, antibodies, particles suchas magnetic particles, chemiluminescent tag, or specific bindingmolecules, etc. Specific binding molecules include pairs, such as biotinand streptavidin, digoxin and antidigoxin etc. For the specific bindingmembers, the complementary member would normally be labeled with amolecule which provides for detection, in accordance with knownprocedures, as outlined above. The label can directly or indirectlyprovide a detectable signal.

In some embodiments, only one of the components is labeled. For example,the kinesin proteins may be labeled at tyrosine positions using ¹²⁵I, orwith fluorophores. Alternatively, more than one component may be labeledwith different labels; using ¹²⁵I for the proteins, for example, and afluorophor for the antimitotic agents.

The compounds of the invention may also be used as competitors to screenfor additional drug candidates. “Candidate agent” or “drug candidate” orgrammatical equivalents as used herein describe any molecule, e.g.,protein, oligopeptide, small organic molecule, polysaccharide,polynucleotide, etc., to be tested for bioactivity. They may be capableof directly or indirectly altering the cellular proliferation phenotypeor the expression of a cellular proliferation sequence, including bothnucleic acid sequences and protein sequences. In other cases, alterationof cellular proliferation protein binding and/or activity is screened.Screens of this sort may be performed either in the presence or absenceof microtubules. In the case where protein binding or activity isscreened, particular embodiments exclude molecules already known to bindto that particular protein, for example, polymer structures such asmicrotubules, and energy sources such as ATP. Particular embodiments ofassays herein include candidate agents which do not bind the cellularproliferation protein in its endogenous native state termed herein as“exogenous” agents. In another embodiment, exogenous agents furtherexclude antibodies to KSP.

Candidate agents can encompass numerous chemical classes, thoughtypically they are small organic compounds having a molecular weight ofmore than 100 and less than about 2,500 daltons. Candidate agentscomprise functional groups necessary for structural interaction withproteins, particularly hydrogen bonding and lipophilic binding, andtypically include at least an amine, carbonyl-, hydroxyl-, ether, orcarboxyl group, generally at least two of the functional chemicalgroups. The candidate agents often comprise cyclical carbon orheterocyclic structures and/or aromatic or polyaromatic structuressubstituted with one or more of the above functional groups. Candidateagents are also found among biomolecules including peptides,saccharides, fatty acids, steroids, purines, pyrimidines, derivatives,structural analogs or combinations thereof.

Candidate agents are obtained from a wide variety of sources includinglibraries of synthetic or natural compounds. For example, numerous meansare available for random and directed synthesis of a wide variety oforganic compounds and biomolecules, including expression of randomizedoligonucleotides. Alternatively, libraries of natural compounds in theform of bacterial, fungal, plant and animal extracts are available orreadily produced. Additionally, natural or synthetically producedlibraries and compounds are readily modified through conventionalchemical, physical and biochemical means. Known pharmacological agentsmay be subjected to directed or random chemical modifications, such asacylation, alkylation, esterification, and/or amidification to producestructural analogs.

Competitive screening assays may be done by combining KSP and a drugcandidate in a first sample. A second sample comprises a compound of thepresent invention, KSP and a drug candidate. This may be performed ineither the presence or absence of microtubules. The binding of the drugcandidate is determined for both samples, and a change, or difference inbinding between the two samples indicates the presence of a drugcandidate capable of binding to KSP and potentially inhibiting itsactivity. That is, if the binding of the drug candidate is different inthe second sample relative to the first sample, the drug candidate iscapable of binding to KSP.

In a particular embodiment, the binding of the candidate agent to KSP isdetermined through the use of competitive binding assays. In thisembodiment, the competitor is a binding moiety known to bind to KSP,such as an antibody, peptide, binding partner, ligand, etc. Undercertain circumstances, there may be competitive binding as between thecandidate agent and the binding moiety, with the binding moietydisplacing the candidate agent.

In one embodiment, the candidate agent is labeled. Either the candidateagent, or the competitor, or both, is added first to KSP for a timesufficient to allow binding, if present. Incubations may be performed atany temperature which facilitates optimal activity, typically between 4and 40° C.

Incubation periods are selected for optimum activity, but may also beoptimized to facilitate rapid high throughput screening. Typicallybetween 0.1 and 1 hour will be sufficient. Excess reagent is generallyremoved or washed away. The second component is then added, and thepresence or absence of the labeled component is followed, to indicatebinding.

In another embodiment, the competitor is added first, followed by thecandidate agent. Displacement of the competitor is an indication thecandidate agent is binding to KSP and thus is capable of binding to, andpotentially inhibiting, the activity of KSP. In this embodiment, eithercomponent can be labeled. Thus, for example, if the competitor islabeled, the presence of label in the wash solution indicatesdisplacement by the agent. Alternatively, if the candidate agent islabeled, the presence of the label on the support indicatesdisplacement.

In an alternative embodiment, the candidate agent is added first, withincubation and washing, followed by the competitor. The absence ofbinding by the competitor may indicate the candidate agent is bound toKSP with a higher affinity. Thus, if the candidate agent is labeled, thepresence of the label on the support, coupled with a lack of competitorbinding, may indicate the candidate agent is capable of binding to KSP.

Inhibition is tested by screening for candidate agents capable ofinhibiting the activity of KSP comprising the steps of combining acandidate agent with KSP, as above, and determining an alteration in thebiological activity of KSP. Thus, in this embodiment, the candidateagent should both bind to KSP (although this may not be necessary), andalter its biological or biochemical activity as defined herein. Themethods include both in vitro screening methods and in vivo screening ofcells for alterations in cell cycle distribution, cell viability, or forthe presence, morpohology, activity, distribution, or amount of mitoticspindles, as are generally outlined above.

Alternatively, differential screening may be used to identify drugcandidates that bind to the native KSP, but cannot bind to modified KSP.

Positive controls and negative controls may be used in the assays.Suitably all control and test samples are performed in at leasttriplicate to obtain statistically significant results. Incubation ofall samples is for a time sufficient for the binding of the agent to theprotein. Following incubation, all samples are washed free ofnon-specifically bound material and the amount of bound, generallylabeled agent determined. For example, where a radiolabel is employed,the samples may be counted in a scintillation counter to determine theamount of bound compound.

A variety of other reagents may be included in the screening assays.These include reagents like salts, neutral proteins, e.g., albumin,detergents, etc which may be used to facilitate optimal protein-proteinbinding and/or reduce non-specific or background interactions. Alsoreagents that otherwise improve the efficiency of the assay, such asprotease inhibitors, nuclease inhibitors, anti-microbial agents, etc.,may be used. The mixture of components may be added in any order thatprovides for the requisite binding.

Administration

Accordingly, the compounds of the invention are administered to cells.By “administered” herein is meant administration of a therapeuticallyeffective dose of a compound of the invention to a cell either in cellculture or in a patient. By “therapeutically effective dose” herein ismeant a dose that produces the effects for which it is administered. Theexact dose will depend on the purpose of the treatment, and will beascertainable by one skilled in the art using known techniques. As isknown in the art, adjustments for systemic versus localized delivery,age, body weight, general health, sex, diet, time of administration,drug interaction and the severity of the condition may be necessary, andwill be ascertainable with routine experimentation by those skilled inthe art. By “cells” herein is meant any cell in which mitosis or meiosiscan be altered.

A “patient” for the purposes of the present invention includes bothhumans and other animals, particularly mammals, and other organisms.Thus the methods are applicable to both human therapy and veterinaryapplications. In a particular embodiment the patient is a mammal, andmore particularly, the patient is human.

Compounds of the invention having the desired pharmacological activitymay be administered, especially as a pharmaceutically acceptablecomposition comprising an pharmaceutical excipient, to a patient, asdescribed herein. Depending upon the manner of introduction, thecompounds may be formulated in a variety of ways as discussed below. Theconcentration of therapeutically active compound in the formulation mayvary from about 0.1-100 wt. %.

The agents may be administered alone or in combination with othertreatments, i.e., radiation, or other chemotherapeutic agents such asthe taxane class of agents that appear to act on microtubule formationor the camptothecin class of topoisomerase I inhibitors. When used,other chemotherapeutic agents may be administered before, concurrently,or after administration of a compound of the present invention. In oneaspect of the invention, a compound of the present invention isco-administered with one or more other chemotherapeutic agents. By“co-administer” it is meant that the present compounds are administeredto a patient such that the present compounds as well as theco-administered compound may be found in the patient's bloodstream atthe same time, regardless when the compounds are actually administered,including simultaneously.

The administration of the compounds and compositions of the presentinvention can be done in a variety of ways, including, but not limitedto, orally, subcutaneously, intravenously, intranasally, transdermally,intraperitoneally, intramuscularly, intrapulmonary, vaginally, rectally,or intraocularly. In some instances, for example, in the treatment ofwounds and inflammation, the compound or composition may be directlyapplied as a solution or spray.

Pharmaceutical dosage forms include a compound of formula I or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, or solvate of a salt thereof,and one or more pharmaceutical excipients. As is known in the art,pharmaceutical excipients are secondary ingredients which function toenable or enhance the delivery of a drug or medicine in a variety ofdosage forms (e.g.: oral forms such as tablets, capsules, and liquids;topical forms such as dermal, opthalmic, and otic forms; suppositories;injectables; respiratory forms and the like). Pharmaceutical excipientsinclude inert or inactive ingredients, synergists or chemicals thatsubstantively contribute to the medicinal effects of the activeingredient. For example, pharmaceutical excipients may function toimprove flow characteristics, product uniformity, stability, taste, orappearance, to ease handling and administration of dose, for convenienceof use, or to control bioavailability. While pharmaceutical excipientsare commonly described as being inert or inactive, it is appreciated inthe art that there is a relationship between the properties of thepharmaceutical excipients and the dosage forms containing them.

Pharmaceutical excipients suitable for use as carriers or diluents arewell known in the art, and may be used in a variety of formulations.See, e.g., Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18th Edition, A. R.Gennaro, Editor, Mack Publishing Company (1990); Remington: The Scienceand Practice of Pharmacy, 20th Edition, A. R. Gennaro, Editor,Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (2000); Handbook of PharmaceuticalExcipients, 3rd Edition, A. H. Kibbe, Editor, American PharmaceuticalAssociation, and Pharmaceutical Press (2000); and Handbook ofPharmaceutical Additives, compiled by Michael and Irene Ash,Gower(1995), each of which is incorporated herein by reference for allpurposes.

Oral solid dosage forms such as tablets will typically comprise one ormore pharmaceutical excipients, which may for example help impartsatisfactory processing and compression characteristics, or provideadditional desirable physical characteristics to the tablet. Suchpharmaceutical excipients may be selected from diluents, binders,glidants, lubricants, disintegrants, colors, flavors, sweetening agents,polymers, waxes or other solubility-retarding materials.

Compositions for intravenous administration will generally compriseintravenous fluids, i.e., sterile solutions of simple chemicals such assugars, amino acids or electrolytes, which can be easily carried by thecirculatory system and assimilated. Such fluids are prepared with waterfor injection USP.

Dosage forms for parenteral administration will generally comprisefluids, particularly intravenous fluids, i.e., sterile solutions ofsimple chemicals such as sugars, amino acids or electrolytes, which canbe easily carried by the circulatory system and assimilated. Such fluidsare typically prepared with water for injection USP. Fluids usedcommonly for intravenous (IV) use are disclosed in Remington, TheScience and Practice of Pharmacy [full citation previously provided],and include:

-   -   alcohol, e.g., 5% alcohol (e.g., in dextrose and water (“D/W”)        or D/W in normal saline solution (“NSS”), including in 5%        dextrose and water (“D5/W”), or D5/W in NSS);    -   synthetic amino acid such as Aminosyn, FreAmine, Travasol, e.g.,        3.5 or 7; 8.5; 3.5, 5.5 or 8.5 % respectively;    -   ammonium chloride e.g., 2.14%;    -   dextran 40, in NSS e.g., 10% or in D5/W e.g., 10%;    -   dextran 70, in NSS e.g., 6% or in D5/W e.g., 6%;    -   dextrose (glucose, D5/W) e.g., 2.5-50%;    -   dextrose and sodium chloride e.g., 5-20% dextrose and 0.22-0.9%        NaCl;    -   lactated Ringer's (Hartmann's) e.g., NaCl 0.6%, KCl 0.03%, CaCl₂        0.02%;    -   lactate 0.3%;    -   mannitol e.g., 5%, optionally in combination with dextrose e.g.,        10% or NaCl e.g., 15 or 20%;    -   multiple electrolyte solutions with varying combinations of        electrolytes, dextrose, fructose, invert sugar Ringer's e.g.,        NaCl 0.86%, KCl 0.03%, CaCl₂ 0.033%;    -   sodium bicarbonate e.g., 5%;    -   sodium chloride e.g., 0.45, 0.9, 3, or 5%;    -   sodium lactate e.g., 1/6 M; and    -   sterile water for injection        The pH of such IV fluids may vary, and will typically be from        3.5 to 8 as known in the art.

The compounds, pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates of theinvention can be administered alone or in combination with othertreatments, i.e., radiation, or other therapeutic agents, such as thetaxane class of agents that appear to act on microtubule formation orthe camptothecin class of topoisomerase I inhibitors. When so-used,other therapeutic agents can be administered before, concurrently(whether in separate dosage forms or in a combined dosage form), orafter administration of an active agent of the present invention.

The following examples serve to more fully describe the manner of usingthe above-described invention, as well as to set forth the best modescontemplated for carrying out various aspects of the invention. It isunderstood that these examples in no way serve to limit the true scopeof this invention, but rather are presented for illustrative purposes.All publications, including but not limited to patents and patentapplications, cited in this specification are herein incorporated byreference as if each individual publication were specifically andindividually indicated to be incorporated by reference herein as thoughfully set forth.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Synthesis of Compound 1A,N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-[1-(4-benzyl-1-methyl-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-2-methyl-propyl]-4-methyl-benzamide

To a solution of Cbz-D-Valine (2, 50 g, 200 mmol) in THF (700 mL) wereadded ethyl chloroformate (23 mL, 240 mmol) and triethylamine (33.5 mL,240 mmol) at 0° C. The reaction mixture was stirred under nitrogen.After 1 h, benzylainine (26.2 mL, 240 mmol) was added over 5 minutes.Upon completion of addition, the reaction solution was allowed to warmto room temperature. After 1 h, the reaction mixture was filtered. Theprecipitate was washed with water and THF, and dried in vacuo to give 3(60 g, 88%) as a white solid. LRMS (M+H⁺) m/z 341.1.

To a suspension of 3 (20 g, 59 mmol) in dichloromethane (500 mL) wasadded triethyloxonium hexafluorophosphate (25 g, 100 mmol). Theresulting mixture was stirred for 14 h. The reaction mixture was washedwith saturated NaHCO₃ and brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated togive 4 (19 g), which was used in the next step without furtherpurification. LRMS (M+H⁺) m/z 369.1.

To a solution of above crude 4 (4 g, ˜10.85 mmol) in THF (30 mL) wasadded hydrazine (1.0 M in THF, 20 mL). The resulting mixture was stirredfor 4 h. The solution was concentrated and dried in vacuo to give 5 (3.8g) as a pale-yellow solid, which was used in the next step withoutfurther purification. LRMS (M+H⁺) m/z 355.1.

To a solution of above crude 5 (6 g, ˜16.9 mmol) in THF (200 mL) wasadded 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole (2.5 g, 15.4 mmol). The resultingsolution was stirred for 14 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated.The resulting residue was purified via flash column chromatography usinga mixture of ethyl acetate and hexane as eluent to give 6 (1.1 g, 17%from 3). LRMS (M+H⁺) m/z 388.1.

To a solution of 6 (400 mg, 1.05 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was addediodomethane (120 μL, 1.89 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (332 mg, 1.68 mmol). Theresulting mixture was stirred for 18 h. The mixture was filtered, andthe filtrate was purified on RP-HPLC using a mixture of acetonitrile andH₂O to give 7 (110 mg, 27%). LRMS (M+H⁺) m/z 395.2.

A solution of 7 (110 mg, 0.28 mmol) in MeOH (25 mL) was stirred under astream of H₂ (30 psi) in the presence of 10% Pd/C (15 mg) for 1 h. Thecatalyst was removed by filtration through a PTFE (0.45 μm) filter andthe solvent evaporated to give 8 (65 mg), which was used in the nextstep without further purification. LRMS (M+H⁺) m/z 261.1

To a solution of above crude 8 (65 mg, ˜0.25 mmol) in dichloromethane(10 mL) at 0° C. was added aldehyde 9 (52 mg, 0.3 mmol) and sodiumtriacetoxyborohydride (63 mg, 0.3 mmol), successively. The resultingmixture was stirred under nitrogen for 3 h. Additional aldehyde 9 (20mg, 0.12 mmol) and sodium triacetoxyborohydride (20 mg, 0.094 mmol) wereadded. Stirring continued for additional 2 h. The mixture was dilutedwith dichloromethane (50 mL) and washed with saturated NaHCO₃ (20 mL).The organic layer was separated, and the aqueous phase was extractedwith dichloromethane (2×50 mL). The combined organic layers were washedwith brine, dried over sodium sulfate, and concentrated to give 10 (110mg), which was used in the next step without purification. LRMS (M+H⁺)m/z 418.2.

To a solution of 10 (110 mg, ˜0.26 mmol) and N,N-diisopropylethylamine(55 μL, 0.32 mmol) in dichloromethane (10 mL) was added p-toluoylchloride (42 μL, 0.32 mmol). The resulting solution was concentrated.The resulting residue was purified on RP-HPLC using a mixture ofacetonitrile and H₂O to give 11 (60 mg, 41% from 7). LRMS (M+H) m/z536.2.

To a solution of 11 (60 mg, 0.11 mmol) in dichloromethane (6 mL) wasadded trifluoroacetic acid (1.5 mL). The resulting solution was stirredat room temperature for 1 h and then concentrated under reducedpressure. The residue was dried under high vacuum and dissolved indichloromethane (25 mL). It was washed with saturated NaHCO₃ (25 mL),and the aqueous phase was extracted with dichloromethane (2×25 mL). Thecombined organic layers were dried over sodium sulfate, and concentratedto give 1 as a white solid (42 mg, 87%), which was fully characterizedwith ¹H-NMR and LC/MS analysis (LRMS (M+H) m/z 436.4).

Example 2 Synthesis of Compound 1B,N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-[1-(4-benzyl-5-oxo-1-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-2-methyl-propyl]-4-methyl-benzamide

To a three-necked 500 mL round bottom flask were added CBZ-D-Valine (2,50 g, 200 mmol), THF (700 mL), ethyl chloroformate (21 mL, 220 mmol) andtriethylamine (33.5 mL, 240 mmol) at 0° C. The reaction mixture wasstirred under nitrogen. After 1 h, the flask was equipped with a dry-icereflux condenser and purged continuously with ammonia gas for 30minutes. The reaction mixture was stirred for an additional 1 h. Thereaction mixture was filtered. The precipitate was washed with water andTHF, and dried in vacuo to give 12 (38 g, 76%) as a white solid. LRMS(M+H⁺) m/z 251.2.

To a suspension of 12 (20 g, 59 mmol) in dichloromethane (500 mL) wasadded triethyloxonium hexafluorophosphate (25 g, 100 mmol). Theresulting mixture was stirred for 3 days. The reaction mixture waswashed with saturated NaHCO₃ and brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, andconcentrated to give 13 (20 g), which was used in the next step withoutfurther purification. LRMS (M+H⁺) m/z 279.1.

To a solution of above crude 13 (5.7 g, ˜20.5 mmol) in THF (100 mL) wasadded phenyl hydrazine (2.4 mL, 24.6 mmol). The resulting mixture wasstirred for 14 h. The solution was concentrated and dried in vacuo togive 14 (3.8 g), which was used in the next step without furtherpurification. LRMS (M+H⁺) m/z 341.1.

To a solution of above crude 14 (6.9 g, ˜20.5 mmol) and in THF (200 mL)was added 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole (6.6 g, 41 mmol). The resultingsolution was stirred for 2 days. The reaction mixture was concentrated.The resulting residue was dissolved in EtOAc (500 mL), Washed withsaturated NaHCO₃ (200 mL) and brine, dried over sodium sulfate, andconcentrated. The resulting residue was purified via flash columnchromatography using a mixture of ethyl acetate and hexane as eluent togive 15 (1.1 g, 15% from 3). LRMS (M+H⁺) m/z 367.1.

To a solution of 15 (400 mg, 1.09 mmol) in DMF (3 mL) was added benzylbromide (195 □l, 1.64 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (380 mg, 2.74 mmol). The resultingmixture was stirred for 14 h. The mixture was filtered, and the filtratewas purified via flash column chromatography using a mixture of ethylacetate and hexane as eluent to give 16 (230 mg, 46%). LRMS (M+H⁺) m/z457.1.

A solution of 16 (200 mg, 0.43 mmol) in MeOH (8 mL) was stirred under astream of H₂ (30 psi) in the presence of 10% Pd/C (20 mg) for 1 h. Thecatalyst was removed by filtration through a PTFE (0.45 □m) filter andthe solvent evaporated to give 17 (120 mg), which was used in the nextstep without further purification. LRMS (M+H⁺) m/z 323.1.

To a solution of above crude 17 (120 mg, ˜0.37 mmol) in dichloromethane(5 mL) at 0° C. was added aldehyde 18 (35 mg, 0.2 mmol) and sodiumtriacetoxyborohydride (42 mg, 0.2 mmol), successively. The resultingmixture was stirred under nitrogen for 3 h. Additional aldehyde 18 (104mg, 0.6 mmol) and sodium triacetoxyborohydride (85 mg, 0.4 mmol) wereadded. Stirring was continued for an additional 2 h. The mixture wasdiluted with dichloromethane (25 mL) and washed with saturated NaHCO₃(20 mL). The organic layer was separated, and the aqueous phase wasextracted with dichloromethane (2×25 mL). The combined organic layerswere washed with brine, dried over sodium sulfate, and concentrated togive 19 (300 mg), which was used in the next step without purification.LRMS (M+H⁺) m/z 480.2.

To a solution of 19 (300 mg, ˜0.63 mmol) and N,N-diisopropylethylamine(145 □L, 0.83 mmol) in dichloromethane (5 mL) was added p-toluoylchloride (111 □L, 0.83 mmol). The resulting solution was stirred for 2days. The solution was concentrated. The resulting residue was dissolvedin dichloromethane (25 mL). It was washed with saturated NaHCO₃ (20 mL),and the aqueous phase was extracted with dichloromethane (2×20 mL). Thecombined organic layers were dried over sodium sulfate, andconcentrated. The resulting residue was purified via flash columnchromatography using a mixture of ethyl acetate and hexane as eluent togive 20 (150 mg, 58% from 7). LRMS (M+H) m/z 598.2.

To a solution of 20 (150 mg, 0.25 mmol) in dichloromethane (1.6 mL) wasadded trifluoroacetic acid (0.4 mL). The resulting solution was stirredat room temperature for 1 h and then concentrated under reducedpressure. The residue was dried under high vacuum and dissolved indichloromethane (25 mL). It was washed with saturated NaHCO₃ (20 mL),and the aqueous phase was extracted with dichloromethane (2×25 mL). Thecombined organic layers were dried over sodium sulfate, and concentratedto give 1B as a white solid (88 mg, 70%), which was fully characterizedwith ¹H-NMR and LC/MS analysis (LRMS (M+H) m/z 498.2).

Example 3 Inhibition of Cellular Viability in Tumor Cell Lines Treatedwith KSP Inhibitors

Materials and Solutions:

-   -   Cells: SKOV3, Ovarian Cancer (human).    -   Media: Phenol Red Free RPMI+5% Fetal Bovine Serum+2 mM        L-glutamine.    -   Colorimetric Agent for Determining Cell Viability: Promega MTS        tetrazolium compound.    -   Control Compound for max cell kill: Topotecan, 1 μM.        Procedure: Day 1—Cell Plating:

Adherent SKOV3 cells are washed with 10 mLs of PBS followed by theaddition of 2 mLs of 0.25% trypsin and incubation for 5 minutes at 37°C. The cells are rinsed from the flask using 8 mL of media (phenolred-free RPMI+5% FBS) and transferred to fresh flask. Cell concentrationis determined using a Coulter counter and the appropriate volume ofcells to achieve 1000 cells/100 μL is calculated. 100 μL of media cellsuspension (adjusted to 1000 cells/100 μL) is added to all wells of96-well plates, followed by incubation for 18 to 24 hours at 37° C.,100% humidity, and 5% CO₂, allowing the cells to adhere to the plates.

Procedure: Day 2—Compound Addition:

To one column of the wells of an autoclaved assay block are added aninitial 2.5 μL of test compound(s) at 400× the highest desiredconcentration. 1.25 μL of 400× (400 μM) Topotecan is added to otherwells (ODs from these wells are used to subtract out for backgroundabsorbance of dead cells and vehicle). 500 μL of media without DMSO areadded to the wells containing test compound, and 250 μL to the Topotecanwells. 250 μL of media+0.5% DMSO is added to all remaining wells, intowhich the test compound(s) are serially diluted. By row,compound-containing media is replica plated (in duplicate) from theassay block to the corresponding cell plates. The cell plates areincubated for 72 hours at 37° C., 100% humidity, and 5% CO₂.

Procedure: Day 4—MTS Addition and OD Reading:

The plates are removed from the incubator and 40 μl MTS/PMS is added toeach well. Plates are then incubated for 120 minutes at 37° C., 100%humidity, 5% CO₂, followed by reading the ODs at 490 nm after a 5 secondshaking cycle in a ninety-six well spectrophotometer.

Data Analysis

The normalized % of control (absorbance-background) is calculated and anXLfit is used to generate a dose-response curve from which theconcentration of compound required to inhibit viability by 50% isdetermined. The compounds of the present invention show activity whentested by this method.

Example 4 Monopolar Spindle Formation Following Application of a KSPInhibitor

Human tumor cells Skov-3 (ovarian) were plated in 96-well plates atdensities of 4,000 cells per well, allowed to adhere for 24 hours, andtreated with various concentrations of the test compounds for 24 hours.Cells were fixed in 4% formaldehyde and stained with antitubulinantibodies (subsequently recognized using fluorescently-labeledsecondary antibody) and Hoechst dye (which stains DNA).

Visual inspection revealed that the compounds caused cell cycle arrestin the prometaphase stage of mitosis. DNA was condensed and spindleformation had initiated, but arrested cells uniformly displayedmonopolar spindles, indicating that there was an inhibition of spindlepole body separation. Microinjection of anti-KSP antibodies also causesmitotic arrest with arrested cells displaying monopolar spindles.

Example 5 Inhibition of Cellular Proliferation in Tumor Cell LinesTreated with KSP Inhibitors

Cells were plated in 96-well plates at densities from 1000-2500cells/well of a 96-well plate and allowed to adhere/grow for 24 hours.They were then treated with various concentrations of drug for 48 hours.The time at which compounds are added is considered T₀. Atetrazolium-based assay using the reagent3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium(MTS) (I.S>U.S. Pat. No. 5,185,450) (see Promega product catalog #G3580,CeIlTiter 96® AQ_(ueous) One Solution Cell Proliferation Assay) was usedto determine the number of viable cells at T₀ and the number of cellsremaining after 48 hours compound exposure. The number of cellsremaining after 48 hours was compared to the number of viable cells atthe time of drug addition, allowing for calculation of growthinhibition.

The growth over 48 hours of cells in control wells that had been treatedwith vehicle only (0.25% DMSO) is considered 100% growth and the growthof cells in wells with compounds is compared to this. KSP inhibitorsinhibited cell proliferation in human ovarian tumor cell lines (SKOV-3).

A Gi₅₀ was calculated by plotting the concentration of compound in μM vsthe percentage of cell growth of cell growth in treated wells. The Gi₅₀calculated for the compounds is the estimated concentration at whichgrowth is inhibited by 50% compared to control, i.e., the concentrationat which:100×[(Treated₄₈ −T ₀)/(Control₄₈ −T ₀)]=50.

All concentrations of compounds are tested in duplicate and controls areaveraged over 12 wells. A very similar 96-well plate layout and Gi₅₀calculation scheme is used by the National Cancer Institute (see Monks,et al., J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 83:757-766 (1991)). However, the method bywhich the National Cancer Institute quantitates cell number does not useMTS, but instead employs alternative methods.

Example 6

Calculation of IC₅₀:

Measurement of a composition's IC₅₀ for KSP activity uses an ATPaseassay. The following solutions are used: Solution 1 consists of 3 mMphosphoenolpyruvate potassium salt (Sigma P-7127), 2 mM ATP (SigmaA-3377), 1 mM IDTT (Sigma D-9779), 5 μM paclitaxel (Sigma T-7402), 10ppm antifoam 289 (Sigma A-8436), 25 mM Pipes/KOH pH 6.8 (Sigma P6757), 2mM MgCl2 (VWR JT400301), and 1 mM EGTA (Sigma E3889). Solution 2consists of 1 mM NADH (Sigma N8129), 0.2 mg/ml BSA (Sigma A7906),pyruvate kinase 7 U/ml, L-lactate dehydrogenase 10 U/ml (Sigma P0294),100 nM KSP motor domain, 50 μg/ml microtubules, 1 mM DTT (Sigma D9779),5 pM paclitaxel (Sigma T-7402), 10 ppm antifoam 289 (Sigma A-8436), 25mM Pipes/KOH pH 6.8 (Sigma P6757), 2 mM MgCl2 (VWR JT4003-01), and 1 mMEGTA (Sigma E3889). Serial dilutions (8-12 two-fold dilutions) of thecomposition are made in a 96-well microtiter plate (Coming Costar 3695)using Solution 1. Following serial dilution each well has 50 μl ofSolution 1. The reaction is started by adding 50 μl of solution 2 toeach well. This may be done with a multichannel pipettor either manuallyor with automated liquid handling devices. The microtiter plate is thentransferred to a microplate absorbance reader and multiple absorbancereadings at 340 nm are taken for each well in a kinetic mode. Theobserved rate of change, which is proportional to the ATPase rate, isthen plotted as a function of the compound concentration. For a standardIC₅₀ determination the data acquired is fit by the following fourparameter equation using a nonlinear fitting program (e.g., Grafit 4):

$y = {\frac{Range}{1 + \left( \frac{x}{{IC}_{50}} \right)^{s}} + {Background}}$where y is the observed rate and x the compound concentration.

All anhydrous solvents were purchased from Aldrich Chemical Company inSureSeal® containers. Most reagents were purchased from Aldrich ChemicalCompany. Reagents were added and aqueous extractions performed withsingle or multichannel pipettors. Filtrations were performed usingWhatman/Polyfiltronics 24 well, 10 mL filtration blocks. Evaporation ofvolatile materials from the array was performed with a LabconcoVortex-Evaporator or by sweeping with a 4×6 nitrogen manifold.

1. A compound selected from the group represented by Formula I:

wherein: T and T′ are each a covalent bond; R₁ is chosen from benzyl,chlorobenzyl, methylbenzyl, methoxybenzyl, cyanobenzyl, hydroxybenzyl,dichlorobenzyl, and dimethoxybenzyl; R₂ and R_(2′) are independentlychosen from hydrogen optionally substituted alkyl; R₃ is —C(O)—R₆; R₄ ischosen from hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionallysubstituted phenyl and optionally substituted pyridinyl; R₅ isoptionally substituted alkyl; and R₆ is optionally substituted phenyl;or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 2. A compound selectedfrom the group represented by Formula I:

wherein T and T′are each a covalent bond: R₁ is chosen from benzyl,chlorobenzyl, methylbenzyl, methoxybenzyl, cyanobenzyl, hydroxybenzyl,dichlorobenzyl, and dimethoxybenzyl; R₂ is chosen from methyl, ethyl,propyl, butyl, methylthioethyl, methylthiomethyl, aminobutyl,(CBZ)aminobutyl, cyclohexylmethyl, benzyloxymethyl, methylsulfinylethyl,methylsulfinylmethyl, and hydroxymethyl; R_(2′) is hydrogen; R₃ is—C(O)—R₆; R₄ is phenyl, halophenyl-, methylphenyl-, methoxyphenyl-,cyanophenyl-, trifluoromethylphenyl-, or dihalophenyl-; R₆ is tolyl,halophenyl, methylhalophenyl, hydroxymethylphenyl, methylenedioxyphenyl,formylphenyl, halo(trifluoromethyl)phenyl-, or cyanophenyl; and R₅ isaminopropyl-; pyrrolidinylmethyl-; or piperidinylmethyl-; or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 3. The compound of claim 1, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₁ is benzyl; R_(2′)is hydrogen; and R₂ is ethyl or propyl.
 4. A pharmaceutical compositioncomprising a pharmaceutical excipient and a therapeutically effectiveamount of a compound of claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof.
 5. The compound of claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof, wherein R₁ is benzyl.
 6. The compound of claim 1, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₂ is chosen frommethyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, methylthioethyl, methylthiomethyl,aminobutyl, (CBZ)aminobutyl, cyclohexylmethyl, benzyloxymethyl,methylsulfinylethyl, methylsulfinylmethyl, and hydroxymethyl.
 7. Thecompound of claim 6, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,wherein R₂ is ethyl or propyl.
 8. The compound of claim 1, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R_(2′) is hydrogen. 9.The compound of claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,wherein R₄ is phenyl, halophenyl-, methylphenyl-, methoxyphenyl-,cyanophenyl-, trifluoromethylphenyl-, or dihalophenyl-.
 10. The compoundof claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₆ istolyl, halophenyl, methylhalophenyl, hydroxymethylphenyl,methylenedioxyphenyl, formylphenyl, halo(trifluoromethyl)phenyl-, orcyanophenyl.
 11. The compound of claim 1, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof, wherein R₅ is aminopropyl-;pyrrolidinylmethyl-; or piperidinylmethyl-.
 12. The compound of claim 1that is chosen from:N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-[1-(4-benzyl-1-methyl-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-2-methyl-propyl]-4-methyl-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-[1-(1,4-dibenzyl-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-2-methyl-propyl]-4-methyl-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-[1-(4-benzyl-5-oxo-1-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-2-methyl-propyl]-4-methyl-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-[1-(4-benzyl-5-oxo-1-pyridin-2-yl-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-2-methyl-propyl]-4-methyl-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-[1-(4-benzyl-1-ethyl-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-2-methyl-propyl]-4-methyl-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(3-chloro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-methyl-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-5-oxo-1-(2-oxo-propyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-methyl-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-[1-(4-benzyl-1-isopropyl-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-2-methyl-propyl]-4-methyl-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(2-chloro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-methyl-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(4-chloro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-methyl-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-[1-(4-benzyl-5-oxo-1-propyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-2-methyl-propyl]-4-methyl-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-methyl-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-3-fluoro-4-methyl-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-[1-(4-benzyl-5-oxo-1-m-tolyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-2-methyl-propyl]-4-methyl-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-[1-(4-benzyl-5-oxo-1-m-tolyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-2-methyl-propyl]-3-fluoro-4-methyl-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(3-methoxy-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-3-fluoro-4-methyl-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(3-methoxy-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-methyl-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(4-cyano-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-methyl-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-5-oxo-1-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-methyl-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-[1-(4-benzyl-5-oxo-1-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-2-methyl-propyl]-4-methoxy-benzamide;Benzo[1,3]dioxole-5-carboxylic acid(3-amino-propyl)-[1-(4-benzyl-5-oxo-1-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-2-methyl-propyl]-amide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-3-fluoro-4-methyl-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-methyl-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-methyl-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-3-fluoro-4-methyl-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-[1-[4-benzyl-5-oxo-1-p-tolyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl]-4-methyl-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-[1-(4-benzyl-5-oxo-1-p-tolyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-2-methyl-propyl]-3-fluoro-4-methyl-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(3-cyano-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-2-methyl-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(3,5-difluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-methyl-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(3,5-difluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-3-fluoro-4-methyl-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(3,5,difluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-benzyl-1-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-methyl-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[1-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-4-(3-methoxy-benzyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-2-methyl-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-3-fluoro-N-{1-[1-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-4-(3-methoxy-benzyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-methyl-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[1-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-4-(3-methoxy-benzyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-hydroxymethyl-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-(3-cyano-benzyl)-1-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-2-methyl-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-(3-cyano-benzyl)-1-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-3-fluoro-4-methyl-benzamide;N-(3-Amimo-propyl)-N-{1-[4-(3-cyano-benzyl)-1-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-fluoro-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-(3-cyano-benzyl)-1-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-N-{1-[4-(3-cyano-benzyl)-1-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-hydroxymethyl-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-4-fluoro-N-{1-[1-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-4-(3-methoxy-benzyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-benzamide;N-(3-Amino-propyl)-3-fluoro-N-{1-[1-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-4-(3-methoxy-benzyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-propyl}-4-trifluoromethyl-benzamide;N-(2-Aminoethyl)-N-{1-[1-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-5-oxo-4-(phenylmethyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]-2-methylpropyl}-2-methylbenzamide;andN-(3-Aminopropyl)-N-{1-[1-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-5-oxo-4-(phenylmethyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]-2-methylpropyl}-4-(hydroxymethyl)benzamide; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 13. Apharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutical excipient and atherapeutically effective amount of a compound of claim 1, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.